Design as a driver of product innovation.
The innovative RopeSpinner, developed by RopeSpinner in collaboration with GBO Innovation makers, won an iF Design Award in 2026 in the Product Design – Machinery / Tools category. With this international recognition, the RopeSpinner is praised for its clever design, practical functionality and the introduction of the Spin&Stow principle. A new way to simultaneously pull up and immediately stow rope for professionals working with rope access systems.
The RopeSpinner consists of the RopeDriver and the BagFrame and was developed in response to a specific practical problem faced by rope access technicians. Normally, pulling up the rope and stowing it in a bag are two separate, manual operations. With the RopeSpinner, this process is powered by a cordless drill and combined into a single integrated movement according to the Spin&Stow principle: whilst the RopeDriver pulls up the rope, the BagFrame guides the rope in a controlled manner into a rope bag where it is stored immediately and neatly, without the need for manual retrieval, guidance or coiling.
This integrated approach saves time, prevents knots and reduces the physical strain on users. This makes a significant difference, particularly in situations where several long ropes are used each day, such as during industrial inspections or maintenance work.
A dream project for a designer. An iterative process in which the teams from GBO and RopeSpinner worked together to create a well-thought-out and manufacturable product that combines ease of use, technology and aesthetics. It’s wonderful to see 32 bespoke parts and 50 different standard components working together seamlessly in a single product.
Bastiaan Hemmes
Senior Lead Designer
The solution for efficient rope management.
The RopeDriver is compact, robust and designed for intensive use. When used in combination with the BagFrame, the rope is automatically fed into the bag during retraction, eliminating the need for manual handling. This ensures a tidy workspace, fewer knots and a longer rope lifespan. By combining retraction and storage in a single movement, the RopeSpinner makes rope management faster and more ergonomic. Users need to do less physical lifting and winding, making the work considerably less strenuous.
Work more efficiently, safely and ergonomically.
In 2026, RopeSpinner and GBO Innovation were jointly awarded an iF Design Award in the category Product Design – Machinery / Tools. The official awards ceremony will take place during the iF Design Award Night on 27 April 2026 in Berlin, where designers, companies and innovators from all over the world will gather to celebrate the winning projects.
“In collaboration with GBO, the concept, functionality and technical solutions of the RopeSpinner have been further refined into a well-thought-out and manufacturable product. Their expertise in industrial design, engineering and aesthetics has elevated the product to a professional standard; a collaboration we are proud of and which was honoured with the iF Design Award 2026.”
Gilles Sanderse
CEO RopeSpinner
Design as a driver of product innovation.
The RopeSpinner demonstrates just how important industrial design is for technical products. By focusing on ease of use, functionality and ergonomics right from the start, the result is a product that not only works well technically but also genuinely improves users’ work.
Design is a driving force behind innovation and efficiency in this context. The Spin&Stow system, developed by RopeSpinner and GBO Innovation makers, demonstrates that smart product development can gain international recognition and have a direct impact on everyday practice.
