A leading industrial robotics company is continuing to breathe new life into old robots – thanks to a newly designed product developed by plastics experts Igus, the global manufacturer of energy chain systems and polymer plain bearings, after it was asked for a control panel cable management system by German robotics company Aragon.

Iryna Geike, manager at Aragon GmbH, explained: “Innovative solutions and our customers’ safety is at the heart of all we do, but until recently we had the challenge of cables running along floors – too easy to damage or trip over. That is why we approached Igus — we needed cable management for industrial robots that would be quick to fit, easy to use and that put safety first.”

The solution from igus was their e-spool flex, complete with cable and a pre-assembled panel mount.

Justin Leonard, e-chain director of Igus, which has its UK headquarters in Northampton, said: “A robot’s brain is its control panel and for this to be in the right place at the right time it needs a cable that is long, flexible, and stored safely. We are delighted to have been able to provide Aragon with a solution and look forward to supporting this global company with its designs and solutions for decades to come.”

Ms Geike added: “This Igus product instantly won us over. Unlike other cable reels it does not use a slip ring. This means media, data power and signal supply to the emergency stop button can be integrated into the system. Our customers now receive a pre-assembled set consisting of the e-spool flex, Aragon panel mount, cable, and a robot control cabinet mounting bracket for the control panels.”

Rolling and unrolling cables: manually or automatically, Igus offers the e-spool flex in different specifications: a low-cost version with a manual handle or cordless screwdriver to wind up the cable; or an automatic solution with a spring-driven return mechanism, a locking mechanism, and an optional retraction brake.

Aragon decided on the second type, complete with a retaining spring. The cable roller is available in three sizes for cables with diameters of 5 to 15mm and extension lengths of 5 to 15 mm. Cables can be replaced quickly at any time.

In addition to subsequent integration of the e-spool flex into an existing cable system, igus offers this cable management solution fully harnessed with chainflex cables specifically designed for moving applications.

Cable durability in the e-spool flex is currently being extensively tested in the in-house 3,800m² Igus test laboratory.