igus GmbH is bringing artificial intelligence and smart sensing technologies to the forefront with several major product launches at this year's Hannover Messe industrial trade fair. The Cologne, Germany-based company says its new offerings are designed "to streamline maintenance and optimize production processes for the lubrication-free industry of tomorrow."

Headlining igus' slate of innovations is igusGO - an AI-powered app that instantly identifies optimization opportunities for designers using the company's motion plastics technology. The app simplifies product selection by bypassing traditional catalog browsing.

"Our aim with igusGO and our suite of smart products is to navigate the vast potential of motion plastics with unprecedented efficiency and transparency," stated Tobias Vogel, CEO of plain bearings and linear technology at igus.

Among those smart products is superwise, a digital service that provides comprehensive maintenance insights to improve operational reliability. Michael Blass, CEO of E-Chain Systems at igus, noted that such innovations can bolster competitiveness during challenging economic times.

Beyond the digital realm, igus is showcasing advanced physical products like polymer bearings that the company says can provide substantial cost savings and environmental benefits. A collaboration with RWTH Aachen University found polymer bearings could save manufacturers up to €14 million annually, while a Heineken Brazil plant reduced its CO2 emissions by 180 kg per year after switching to the bearings.

On the automation front, igus is democratizing robotic technology with affordable, user-friendly offerings like the ReBeL collaborative robot with AI-based voice and gesture control. The company's $2,760 finger gripper for the cobot earned a 2024 RBR50 Robotics Innovation Award. igus' RBTX online marketplace further lowers barriers to automation by providing easy access to compatible robotic accessories.

Rounding out igus' Hannover Messe reveals is a new double-shaft stepper motor for its drylin linear technology, enabling precise linear motion control for automation, transfer stations, and format adjustment applications.

The unveiling of igusGO, superwise, polymer bearings, and robotic solutions represents igus' strategic vision of enhancing industrial productivity, sustainability, and inclusivity through the innovative application of motion plastics.

"By merging our innovative products with digital services, we're demonstrating how our motion plastics can significantly enhance a wide array of applications, driving them towards a more sustainable and technologically advanced future," Blass stated.

With this wide-ranging showcase, igus is positioning itself as a catalyst for the "lubrication-free industry of tomorrow" through intelligent software, data-driven services, high-performance materials, and democratized automation. Hannover Messe attendees can experience these cutting-edge solutions first-hand at the igus booth.