Regal Rexnord has joined forces with automation giant ABB Robotics to simplify integration of its GoFa cobots into 7th Axis Cobot Transfer Units (CTUs) from Thomson, one of Regal Rexnord’s linear motion brands.
This collaboration makes the Thomson Movotrak CTU the first cobot 7th axis technology that ABB Robotics has certified for use in its partner ecosystem.
Kevin Zaba, EVP and president, automation and motion control segment of Regal Rexnord, says: “Until now, anyone wanting to use a single, plug-and-play ABB cobot on multiple workstations faced what could be days of programming and communications challenges.
“As part of the ABB Robotics partner ecosystem, we have preconfigured our Movotrak CTU, ensuring rapid deployment with ABB cobots right out of the box.
“Integrators, distributors, and end-users can now invest more time using the 7th axis to solve productivity problems than dealing with complex integration details.”
The Thomson Movotrak CTU 7th axis offers:
- Extended operating range: The Movotrak CTU is the first collaborative 7th axis, extending the traditional cobot operating range up to 10 meters.
- Flexible mounting options: Ability to move from one workstation to another along a rail that is secured either to the floor, wall, or ceiling.
- Collision detection: First 7th axis solution with collision detection, stopping the cobot when it encounters an obstacle.
- Increased productivity: Less downtime with easier training and installation featuring 7th axis Freedrive mode.
- Single-source, fully integrated solution: Thomson linear units are integrated with other Regal Rexnord components, including Boston Gear gearheads, Huco couplings, and Kollmorgen motors and software for a complete, high-level assembly with one part number.
Louis Pinkham, CEO of Regal Rexnord, says: “This collaboration with ABB Robotics is a great example of how our differentiated Regal Rexnord technologies can be integrated into high-impact, customer-ready solutions.
“By combining the technical expertise of our Thomson, Kollmorgen, Boston Gear, and Huco brands into a seamless, 7th axis system available for the ABB Robotics partner ecosystem, we’re making it easier for customers to unlock greater productivity and flexibility in their automation strategies.
“It also reflects our ongoing commitment to innovation and delivering value through system-level thinking.”
The ABB Robotics ecosystem
ABB partners develop and provide packages consisting of pre-engineered accessories and software that are compatible and easily integrated with ABB’s complete portfolio of robotic solutions.
As fully integrated, ready-to-use solutions, the packages enable both end users and systems integrators to reduce time and effort in setting up robots for new applications.
Regal Rexnord’s participation in the ABB partner ecosystem involves changes to mounting hardware, development of a specialized plug-and-play wiring harness, and programming to interface with the ABB software platform and engineering environment, including an ABB Web App, Wizard and RAPID Module Code programming tools.
Through the integration, certified ABB robotic application developers will be able to access the Thomson configuration tools directly on the ABB FlexPendant user interface.
