Wanted: Unique projects with energy supply systems

The Vector Award recognizes unique and challenging projects with energy chain systems and cables. (Source: igus GmbH)

They rotate around 7,000 degrees in a circle, operate at speeds of 10 meters per second, and move three-dimensionally like a snake: energy chains made from high-performance plastics. The most exciting projects and their developers are selected every two years by an expert jury with the vector award and up to €5,000 prize money. The application phase begins at Motek.

Plastic energy chains are no longer just found in traditional machinery. They ensure that cables and hoses are safely guided worldwide, whether in space, at sea, or underground. In thousands of projects, energy and control lines perform their duties and must overcome major challenges. From strict particle-free requirements in semiconductor cleanrooms, high chemical resistance in galvanization, dirt and dust resistance in mining, to chips and sparks in woodworking. Additionally, they must fit into a compact space, operate at high speeds, or perform acrobatic torsional movements. The vector award aims to recognize exactly these unique applications of power supply solutions and e-chain systems with cables. "The competition is a great opportunity for us as manufacturers to experience our products in finished machines and systems and to learn even more exciting stories about their applications," says Michael Blass, Managing Director of e-chain systems at igus GmbH and jury member. "In addition, we are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the plastic energy chain with our customers."

Up to €5,000 prize money

The vector award is endowed with prize money of up to €5,000. Last year alone, 266 applications were received from 32 countries. The winners are selected by an expert jury from science, industry, trade fairs, trade media, and associations, and will be awarded at Hannover Messe 2022. Developers can apply with their completed projects until February 11, 2022. In addition to the gold, silver, and bronze vector awards, the green vector award is also announced. "Many industrial companies — like us at igus — are increasingly addressing the topic of sustainability. For example, customers can send their used energy chains back to us. We sort the material by type and recycle it, creating granulate for new products. That’s why it was important to us as the initiator of the vector award — together with the jury — to also recognize sustainable projects with a special prize," explains Michael Blass. The prize was spontaneously awarded directly to two projects at the last vector.