7th vector award: expert jury seeks innovative cable crawler applications

The submission phase of the Vector Award started at the Motek trade show

While many stars and starlets can hardly wait for the spotlight of an awards ceremony, designers are not usually eager to step into the limelight. But the jury consisting of experts at the Vector Award is certain that it is precisely they and their inventions that deserve attention - after all, they shape everyday life in the industry and far beyond. Therefore, designers are called upon to compete for the 7th Vector Award with their bold and extraordinary cable crawler applications.

Cable caterpillars have long been the standard in power supply systems in many industries and markets. In thousands of machines and plants worldwide, they ensure that cables and hoses are safely routed. They often meet very special challenges. Cable tracks move at high speeds, perform the wildest torsional movements or find their place in the tiniest of installation spaces. And it is exactly these applications that the jury of the 7th Vector Award is looking for.

Registration started at the Motek trade show

Registration for the Vector Award is open at the Motek automation fair in Stuttgart (D). Until Feb. 28, 2020, developers can register online and submit texts, photos and videos of their cable crawler applications. International participation: "The last Vector Award two years ago had as many as 187 participating teams from more than 30 countries," says Michael Blaß, head of the cable crawler systems division at igus. "This time, too, we expect another large international field of participants." After the submission phase, things get exciting: a jury consisting of experts from professional associations, industry magazines, industry and science will consider the entries. The most daring and innovative design will be awarded the golden Vector Award. The first prize amounts to 5,000 Euro and the award will be presented at the Hannover Messe in 2020.

Who will be the next winner?

With the introduction of the Vector Award in 2008, the event highlights the extraordinary merits of designers from around the world every other year. Winners include a robot from Spanish machine manufacturer Loxin, which rivets aircraft fuselages (gold Vector 2018), a machine created by Norwegian designers Robotic Drilling Systems, which positions drilling elements on drilling rigs (gold Vector 2016) and a transport system from the University of Duisburg-Essen, which moves via eight tensioned cables on stacker racks (gold Vector 2014). Although the applications are very different, they have one thing in common: they show the variety of different cable crawler applications and inspire other designers. Michael Blaß explains: "The Vector Award impressively shows what is possible with cable tracks today - even new and unexpected things. We are very curious to see what surprises next year has to offer."

Information about the award and eligibility requirements can be found at www.igus.nl/vector-award.