SINGAPORE – Oct. 29, 2026 – PRLog — Removing algae, mussels and barnacles from boat hulls can be a demanding task. Italian company Aeffe has developed KeelCrab, a remote-controlled underwater cleaning robot designed to simplify hull maintenance. To ensure reliable operation underwater, its engineers turned to igus® iglidur® X polymer plain bearings for the robot’s drive rollers.
KeelCrab uses a vacuum pump to attach itself to the boat hull and caterpillar tracks to move across the surface. Two brushes remove marine deposits, while a camera and joystick allow operators to control the robot remotely. However, finding suitable bearings for the four drive rollers proved challenging.
“Conventional lubricated rolling bearings were unsuitable because of the risk of corrosion,” explains Aeffe development engineer Mattia Pagani. The team selected iglidur® X plain bearings for their corrosion resistance, low moisture absorption and maintenance-
Designed for demanding environments, these high-performance polymer bearings maintain dimensional stability during continuous contact with fresh or salt water. Their integrated solid lubricants enable dry-running operation without external grease, eliminating the need for relubrication and reducing maintenance requirements.
Lightweight Design, Lower Operating Costs
Weight and cost were also important considerations. Stainless steel bearings with seals were considered but proved too heavy and expensive. According to Aeffe, the igus® polymer bearings weigh approximately 80% less than comparable metal bearings, helping reduce the robot’s overall weight.
By combining corrosion resistance, lightweight construction and lubrication-
Learn more about iglidur® X plain bearings:
https://www.igus.sg/
Request a free plain bearing sample:
https://www.igus.sg/