ABB, Regal Rexnord partner on 7th axis

ABB said its GoFa cobots can be used for handling payloads up to 5kg, 10kg, and 12kg. | Source: ABB Robotics

Regal Rexnord Corporation has joined forces with ABB Robotics to simplify the integration of its GoFa cobots into 7th Axis Cobot Transfer Units (CTUs) from Thomson. Thomson is one of Regal Rexnord’s leading 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.

“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,” said Kevin Zaba, EVP and President, Automation & Motion Control segment of Regal Rexnord.

Regal Rexnord’s participation in the ABB partner ecosystem will involve changes to mounting hardware, development of a specialized plug-and-play wiring harness, and programming to interface with ABB’s software platform and engineering environment. This will include 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.

ABB Robotics is a leading provider of industrial robots, autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), and machine automation. In April, ABB Group announced plans to spin off the division, which employs about 11,000 people at more than 100 locations in 53 countries, including its North American headquarters in Auburn Hills, Mich.

Thomson has over 75 years of experience developing linear motion technology. The company merged with Regal Rexnord in 2023. It said the merger made it more equipped to provide complete systems through its control, drive, motor, power transmission, and precision linear motion technologies.

Thomson describes the benefits of a 7th axis

Thomson said its Movotrak CTU 7th Axis offers:

• Extended Operating Range: The Movotrak CTU extends the traditional cobot operating range up to 10 meters.
• Flexible Mounting Options: With the CTU, ABB cobots can move from one workstation to another along a rail secured either to the floor, wall, or ceiling.
• Collision Detection: The system is equipped with collision detection, stopping the cobot when it encounters an obstacle.
• Increased Productivity: Thomson said the CTU offers less downtime with easier training and installation, featuring 7th axis Freedrive mode.
• Single-Source, Fully Integrated Solution: Thomson integrates its linear units with other Regal Rexnord components. This includes Boston Gear gearheads, Huco couplings, and Kollmorgen motors and software for a complete, high-level assembly with one part number.

“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,” said Louis Pinkham, CEO of Regal Rexnord. “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.”

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