Igus designers drew from nature to create new energy supply system

March 26, 2018 By Chris Newmarker

[Image courtesy of Igus]

Teams at Igus (Cologne, Germany) drew inspiration from the bee’s honeycomb to create energy supply systems able to relieve strain on cables and hoses.

Igus officials are touting the innovation as a time- and money-saver. Says the company: “Cables and hoses can be pressed into the honeycomb, and when it is closed, the honeycomb cavities are pushed gently, but tightly, around the cables. … The cables stay untangled in the honeycomb and the system allows for quicker assembly and breakdown of products.”

Mounting can take place in seconds, cutting assembly time by up to 80%, according to Igus. It is also easy to open so that new cables can be inserted or worn or damaged cables can be swapped out.

The system comes in both horizontal and vertical versions.

Igus has its U.S. offices in East Providence, R.I.

About The Author

Chris Newmarker

Chris Newmarker is the executive editor of WTWH Media life science's news websites and publications including MassDevice, Medical Design & Outsourcing and more. A professional journalist of 18 years, he is a veteran of UBM (now Informa) and The Associated Press whose career has taken him from Ohio to Virginia, New Jersey and, most recently, Minnesota. He’s covered a wide variety of subjects, but his focus over the past decade has been business and technology. He holds bachelor’s degrees in journalism and political science from Ohio State University. Connect with him on LinkedIn or email at cnewmarker@wtwhmedia.com.