The global market for high-performance, lubrication-free, and low-wear polymers continues to expand as industries shift toward materials that reduce maintenance, improve efficiency, and support energy-conscious operations. Industry estimates indicate that the engineering plastics and tribological polymer segment is witnessing sustained growth, supported by increasing demand across manufacturing, automotive, semiconductor, and logistics sectors. As production systems become more automated and uptime expectations rise, the role of self-lubricating, wear-resistant materials has become central to modern industrial design.
This transition toward advanced material systems is closely linked with the broader movement toward digitalisation and automation in manufacturing. Against this backdrop, Hannover Messe 2026, scheduled from April 20 to 24 in Germany carrying #ThinkTechForward, will once again serve as a global platform for industrial technology, where companies present solutions that address cost pressures, supply chain demands, and evolving regulatory frameworks.
Igus to present latest developments: igus will present its latest developments in motion plastics, automation, and robotics in Hall 13, Stand C60, with a focus on enabling industries to adopt automation in a cost-effective and scalable manner. The exhibition will highlight low-cost robotics, AI-based control systems, and material innovations designed to operate without lubrication while maintaining durability across demanding applications.
A central focus of the showcase will be low-cost automation, where igus continues to expand its robotics portfolio. Among the key developments is the next generation of humanoid and mobile robotic systems, including new iterations of its human-like automation platforms and autonomous mobile robots designed for material handling. These systems address a growing global labour gap, particularly in logistics and manufacturing, where a significant share of decision-makers report challenges in sourcing skilled operators. The solutions presented are designed to operate across varied environments, handling payloads ranging from smaller carriers to heavy pallet systems, while enabling flexible deployment across multiple use cases.
igus will also present advancements in AI-enabled robotics, where the focus is on simplifying programming and integration. Industry development is moving toward systems that reduce dependence on specialised programming expertise, with ongoing efforts aimed at enabling more intuitive interaction between human operators and robotic systems. The company’s RBTX platform will play a key role in this approach, offering access to a wide range of automation components and connecting users with suitable integration partners to deliver practical and cost-effective solutions.
In parallel, the exhibition will highlight new developments in motion plastics, including PTFE-free and bisphenol-free materials developed in response to evolving regulatory requirements. With increasing global attention on PFAS-related substances and material compliance in sectors such as food processing and healthcare, igus has expanded its portfolio of alternative materials that meet both technical and regulatory expectations. These include new tribological materials, 3D printing solutions for regulated environments, and components designed for hygiene-critical applications.
A significant area of focus will be cleanroom and semiconductor applications, where igus will present new energy supply systems designed for long travel distances with minimal particle generation. The latest cleanroom solutions, including newly developed energy chain systems with certified performance standards, address the growing demand for stable and contamination-controlled operations in semiconductor manufacturing, a sector expected to grow steadily over the coming years driven by demand for electronics, mobility, and AI technologies.
Expanding R & D capabilities and global manufacturing: Alongside product innovation, igus continues to invest in expanding its global manufacturing and delivery capabilities. With total investments of €124.4 million, the company is strengthening its production infrastructure, automation systems, and international footprint. In 2025, igus reported turnover of €1.155 billion, demonstrating a 4.4% increase despite a challenging global environment. China, Germany, and the United States remain its largest markets, contributing nearly 60% of total sales.
A key driver of this growth is the company’s focus on automation within its own operations. At its Cologne headquarters, the new Phase 8 facility introduces advanced automation, including a high-capacity automated warehouse and expanded production systems that significantly reduce processing time. Across production methods, automation is enabling faster throughput and improved consistency, supporting the company’s objective of delivering products with shorter lead times.
igus has also expanded its research and testing capabilities, with its test laboratory now covering 5,500 square metres and supporting up to 17,000 tests annually. These capabilities enable continuous development of new materials and validation of performance under real-world conditions. At the same time, digital tools are being enhanced to allow engineers to configure products more efficiently, reducing development cycles and simplifying adoption.
To improve responsiveness to regional demand, igus continues to expand local production and presence across key markets. New and expanded facilities in China, the United States, Poland, Turkey, and Japan are enabling faster supply, while new subsidiaries in Australia, Morocco, Ivory Coast, and Latvia extend its global reach. Local production has also contributed to reducing transport volumes, supporting environmental objectives.
Recognition to engineering solutions: The practical application of these technologies is reflected in the outcomes of the 10th vector award 2026, where igus recognised engineering solutions across industries. The competition received 424 entries from 36 countries, highlighting the widespread adoption of energy chain systems in complex environments. The top recognition was awarded to Cruise Port Rotterdam for its mobile shore power system, which enables docked ships to switch off diesel generators and eliminate local emissions. Other recognised projects included an ultra-precise microchip positioning system by Jenaer Antriebstechnik, advanced stage technology at the Royal Ballet and Opera in London, and a water filtration system by Membion GmbH designed to remove microplastics and bacteria.
Commenting on the company’s direction, Artur Peplinski, CEO and Spokesman of the Management Board at igus, said that customers increasingly expect fast and dependable delivery alongside product capability, while the company continues to focus on making automation accessible to a wider range of industries through practical and cost-effective solutions.
