igus is looking for unique applications with cable crawler systems

A call from igus to engineers anywhere in the world: the igus vector award will be presented again in 2024. Already for the ninth time, igus is honoring engineers and project managers for the creative and innovative use of igus cable crawler systems and cable crawler cables made of high-performance polymer plastics. Winners receive prize money of up to €5,000.

Artificial intelligence, machine learning and Industry 4.0 are trending topics in the media and among the general public. "But it's easy to forget that engineers are also making amazing progress in other, relatively unremarkable areas - for example, cable and hose routing in machines and systems," says Michael Blass, CEO cable crawler systems at igus. This requires more and more skill and expertise on the part of design engineers. Customers have more demands than ever before: hydraulic hoses that weigh tons moving in a fail-safe manner over a roadway of more than 1 km - in giant excavator wheel dredges, for example. Data cables that can track the wildest 3D movements on articulated arm robots in factories. Cable crawler systems that meet the world's most stringent cleanroom requirements in electronics manufacturing. Control cables that fit into even the smallest installation spaces, barely bigger than a cigar box. "Every day we see how design engineers around the world implement extraordinary ideas with our cable tracks and cables to meet increasingly stringent requirements. And long-life cable crawler systems contribute greatly to sustainability," said Blass. "We honor these solutions, which often remain under the radar but increasingly impact the cost-effectiveness of products, with the 2024 vector award."

Ready to go: engineers from all countries, register now

Engineers can enter the contest now by registering their application at www.igus.nl/vector-award. The deadline for submissions is Feb. 9, 2024. A panel consisting of expert judges drawn from science, specialized media, industry trade shows and professional associations will then evaluate the application and reward the most impressive ideas characterized by a high degree of innovation and creativity. The winner will receive the gold vector award and €5,000 in prize money. The second place will receive the silver vector and € 2,500 and the third place the bronze vector award € 1,000. The green vector award is accompanied by a reward of € 1,000 and goes to projects where sustainability plays a defining role. The vector award award ceremony will again take place at the Hannover Messe in 2024.

Expand your network, win clients, explore career paths

igus is awarding the vector award for the ninth time. The competition has taken place every two years since 2008 and enjoys increasing popularity worldwide. In 2022, there were as many as 233 entries from 36 countries. Gepber Szinpad, a Hungarian company, won first place for a multifunctional event hall with automated rows of chairs that change positions at the push of a button. Dercks Gartenbau received the green vector for developing an accurate watering cart for potted plants. "The vector award is also an excellent opportunity for engineers and companies to generate attention, expand their network and gain new customers," Blass said. "With this in mind, we hope to see many exciting projects again this year."

Compete for the vector award now and apply via: www.igus.nl/vector-award