Playful robotics training: igus Low Cost Automation proves its worth in everyday school life

GENTING LANE, Singapore - Aug. 7, 2025 - PRLog -- igus aims to inspire young people about technology through educational programs for schools and universities. One key initiative is the ReBeL education kit, which introduces students to robotics using the ReBeL cobot. At institutions like Georg Simon Ohm vocational college in Cologne, students gain hands-on experience and learn basic programming skills.

From electrical engineering and database knowledge to software development: the training programme for information technology assistants at the Georg Simon Ohm vocational college in Cologne covers a wide range of subjects. This includes the programming of robots to provide students with special qualifications in automation technology. "We previously used humanoid robotic systems for our robotics class, but these have become susceptible to faults over time," explains Kevin Meyer, electrical engineering and robotics teacher at the Georg Simon Ohm vocational college. "That's why we needed a replacement for the old systems and set out to find robot arms that are easy to use and allow for realistic application scenarios." The vocational college finally found what it was looking for at the Cologne-based plastics specialist igus.

We knew igus for its energy chains, but discovered its Low Cost Automation range during our search," says Meyer. At igus' 400m² Customer Test Area, they explored automation options and chose ten six-axis ReBeL cobots with education kits. "Other robots were either too small or too costly. Usability mattered too." The lightweight ReBeL cobot (8.2kg, 2kg payload, 664mm reach) costs just €4,970 in a plug-and-play setup. The education kit includes 100+ hours of learning material and project plates for real-world scenarios like sorting, assembly, and quality control. The free igus Robot Control software makes programming easy.

The ReBeL cobots and education kits have now been in use for a year in four robotics classes at the vocational college. "Most of the students really enjoy working with the robots. Some of them found it a challenge at the beginning, but in the end everyone managed," says Kevin Meyer. The software is visually very clear and enables pupils to make quick progress. Alexander Mühlens, Head of the Low Cost Automation Business Unit at igus, emphasises: "Promoting the next generation of robots is very important to us, which is why we are always particularly pleased with projects like this. With our wide range of educational programmes, we want to support schools, colleges and universities in imparting theoretical knowledge in a practical way, preparing learners specifically for the modern working world."

Find more: https://www.igus.eu/automation/educational-programme (https://www.igus.eu/automation/educational-opportunities)