Self-determined way of working thanks to cost-effective cobot

GENTING LANE, Singapore - Feb. 11, 2025 - PRLog -- Daniel Hillebrand, who has spastic tetraplegia, can only move his head purposefully. Despite this, he is now able to work independently thanks to a specialised robot workstation set up by Diakonische Stiftung Wittekindshof in Bad Oeynhausen. This workstation allows him to control the robot using head movements, making him a valuable member of the Industrial Services Team that supports local industrial companies with assembly and packaging tasks.

Creating this automated workstation was challenging due to limited financial resources. Torsten Jeschke, a specialist at the Wittekindshof workshops, and his team built the system themselves, using cost-effective components. The search for an affordable robot led them to the igus ReBeL, a cobot made of high-performance plastics costing just $6,941. This cobot is not only affordable but also requires minimal maintenance and is lightweight, making it easy to handle.

Daniel uses a joystick and chin movements to control the system, which helps him sort and package edge protectors for a furniture manufacturer. The ReBeL cobot picks components from a conveyor belt and places them into containers, allowing Daniel to work autonomously. This setup has significantly improved his quality of life, enabling him to work independently despite his severe paralysis. The success of this project highlights the potential of low-cost automation to provide self-determined lives for people with disabilities.

Visit for more information: https://www.igus.sg/info/build-or-buy-servicerobot-rebel