Surgical Microscope for Developing Nations Wins 2025 manus Plastic Bearing Award
Maintenance-free igus polymer plain bearings make a portable, lightweight microscope durable and fail-safe
28 March 2025 – A portable surgical microscope designed by Prechtl Tech Solutions has been awarded the Gold manus® Award in the 2025 competition for polymer plain bearings. This international contest, organized by igus®, celebrates innovative applications of lubrication-free plastic bearings that deliver environmental, economic, and social benefits. The jury praised the microscope’s durable, fail-safe design, which utilizes iglide® G polymer plain bearings to ensure maintenance-free operation in areas with limited infrastructure.
Gold manus Award: Portable Microscope Enhances Accessibility
Prechtl Tech Solutions developed a lightweight surgical microscope specifically for use in regions with limited medical resources. The device can be assembled in under five minutes without the need for tools and operates independently of external power sources. By integrating iglide G polymer bearings, the engineers eliminated the need for lubrication, reducing maintenance requirements and minimizing contamination risks. These features enhance reliability and extend the microscope’s service life, addressing challenges that often render donated medical equipment unusable.
The jury, comprising experts from industry, academia, and media, commended the project’s creative approach and its significant social impact. Prechtl Tech Solutions received €5,000 (over $5,200) in prize money alongside the Gold manus trophy.
Silver manus Award: Sustainable Parcel Delivery with Bicycle Trailers
Hamburg-based zemmi GmbH earned the Silver manus award for its bicycle semi-trailer designed for parcel delivery in urban areas. The trailer features a pedal-driven system capable of transporting loads up to 4.2 m³ (148.3 ft³) offering an eco-friendly alternative to delivery trucks that contribute to congestion. To ensure reliable operation under varying weather conditions, zemmi incorporated robust iglide J polymer bearings into the trailer’s overrun mechanism. These lubrication-free bearings enhance durability while reducing maintenance costs.
Peter Krug, a jury member and professor at TH Köln, highlighted the trailer’s innovative design and its potential to transform urban logistics globally. zemmi GmbH received €2,500 (over $2,600) in prize money for its contribution to sustainable transportation.
Bronze manus Award: AI-Powered Agricultural Hoe
Farm-ING from Austria was awarded the Bronze manus for its intelligent agricultural hoe that uses artificial intelligence to target weeds while preserving crops. Coupled with a tractor, the hoe employs iglide J polymer bearings in its chopping unit to ensure reliable operation even in dusty field conditions. Unlike metal bearings, which require lubrication and attract dirt, these self-lubricating plastic bearings enhance performance while minimizing environmental contamination.
The jury praised Farm-ING’s innovative use of AI to reduce chemical usage in agriculture. The project received €1,000 (over $1,000) in prize money.
Green manus Award: Agrivoltaics System with Sustainable Bearings
French company TSE won the Green manus award for its agrivoltaics system designed to optimize solar energy production while supporting agricultural activities. Installed five meters above farmland, the system integrates an irrigation mechanism and adjustable solar modules weighing up to one ton. To handle these mechanical loads efficiently, TSE utilized large igubal® pillow block bearings made from high-performance plastic. These lubrication-free bearings ensure weather resistance and prevent soil contamination.
The jury emphasized the sustainability benefits of TSE’s design, awarding €3,000 (over $3,100) in prize money for its environmentally friendly innovation.
Record Participation Highlights Growing Interest
The 2025 manus Awards saw record participation with 613 entries from 38 countries—a testament to the increasing adoption of high-performance polymer bearings across industries. Projects ranged from medical devices to agricultural machinery and urban transportation solutions, demonstrating how lubrication-free plastics can replace metal components to improve efficiency and sustainability.
This year’s award ceremonies will be held at the winners’ locations or local igus branches worldwide. For more details on all entries and winners, visit: www.www.hansarobotics.com/manus
