REGAL REXNORD LEADING MOTION CONTROL BRANDS POWER NEW COLLABORATIVE ROBOTICS SOLUTION WITH FANUC
Quick Answer
Regal Rexnord and FANUC have launched the Thomson Movotrak™ Cobot Transfer Unit (CTU), enhancing FANUC CRX collaborative robots with an external linear axis that extends operational range up to 10 meters.
Quick Take
This integration simplifies setup and improves productivity through features like collision detection and flexible mounting options.
Key Points
- Movotrak CTU extends cobot range by 10 meters, enhancing operational flexibility.
- Features collision detection, stopping the system when obstacles are encountered.
- Simplifies setup for certified FANUC integrators via direct Thomson configuration tools.
- Supports large FANUC cobots like the CRX30iA, ensuring ruggedness and precision.
- Integrates multiple Regal Rexnord technologies into a single engineered solution.
DeepSignal Analysis
What happened
Regal Rexnord and FANUC have introduced the Thomson Movotrak™ Cobot Transfer Unit (CTU), which enhances the FANUC CRX collaborative robots by adding an external linear axis. This extension allows for an operational range of up to 10 meters and incorporates features such as collision detection and flexible mounting options.
Key evidence
- The Thomson Movotrak CTU is integrated with FANUC CRX robots, allowing users to deploy it as an external axis solution after compatibility testing.
- The CTU features collision detection, which stops the system when it encounters obstacles, enhancing safety during operation.
- This solution combines technologies from Regal Rexnord's brands, including Thomson linear systems and Kollmorgen motors, to create a fully integrated robotics system.
Why it matters
The collaboration between Regal Rexnord and FANUC signifies a step forward in collaborative robotics by integrating linear motion technology with existing robotic systems. This development aims to improve productivity and operational efficiency in various applications, potentially transforming how businesses utilize automation in their processes. The ability to extend the operational range of cobots can lead to more versatile applications in manufacturing and logistics.
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~5 min readREGAL REXNORD LEADING MOTION CONTROL BRANDS POWER NEW COLLABORATIVE ROBOTICS SOLUTION WITH FANUC
The solution leverages Thomson linear motion technology alongside Boston Gear gearheads, Huco couplings and Kollmorgen motors and software, enabling FANUC CRX users to deploy the Thomson Movotrak™ Cobot Transfer Unit (CTU) as a seamless, out-of-the-box external axis solution.
MILWAUKEE, WI - Regal Rexnord Corporation announced a strategic collaboration with robotics and automation leader FANUC to deliver a fully integrated collaborative robotics solution that combines expertise from many of its brands. The solution leverages Thomson linear motion technology alongside Boston Gear gearheads, Huco couplings and Kollmorgen motors and software, enabling FANUC CRX users to deploy the Thomson Movotrak™ Cobot Transfer Unit (CTU) as a seamless, out-of-the-box external axis solution.
Following rigorous compatibility testing with the FANUC CRX Series of collaborative robots, the Movotrak CTU was added to the FANUC Cobot Device network through a co-developed plug-in interface, unlocking new levels of collaboration between humans and robotic systems. Certified FANUC integrators can now access Thomson configuration tools directly on their teach pendant, simplifying setup, extending cobot reach, leveraging groundbreaking collision detection programming and control, and accelerating deployment of external linear axis applications.
"Adding an external axis transport layer to a 6-axis cobot opens new avenues for productivity, innovation and profitability for our customers," said Emily Kern, President of Regal Rexnord's Linear Motion Division. "We've worked closely with FANUC to deliver this capability for their CRX cobot line, and it is now ready for deployment. The Thomson Movotrak CTU brings together robotic innovations from across Regal Rexnord, including Thomson linear systems, Boston Gear gearheads, Huco couplings, and Kollmorgen motors and software, allowing integrators to configure a fully integrated system directly within the FANUC engineering environment."
The solution signifies Regal Rexnord's ability to bring together complementary technologies from across its automation portfolio to solve complex customer challenges. By integrating linear motion, gearing, couplings, motors and software into a single engineered solution, Regal Rexnord simplifies adoption of advanced robotics while improving performance, reliability and speed to deployment.
"FANUC is a highly regarded leader in industrial robotic technology, ranging from compact systems to capable of handling the most demanding industrial payloads. We're proud that the Thomson CTU is now approved for integration with their cobot platform, helping advance the next generation of human-robot collaboration and intelligent motion systems," said Kevin Long, EVP and President, Automation & Motion Control segment of Regal Rexnord.
The Thomson Movotrak CTU provides the following benefits:
• Extended Operating Range: The Movotrak CTU is the first collaborative external linear 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 external linear axis solution with collision detection, stopping the external axis and cobot when it encounters an obstacle.
• Increased Productivity: Less downtime with easier training and installation featuring an external axis Freedrive mode.
• Single-Source, Fully Integrated Solution: Thomson linear units are integrated with other Regal Rexnord robotics solutions, including Boston Gear gearheads, Huco couplings, and Kollmorgen motors and software for a complete, high-level assembly with one part number.
• Robustness and Durability: The Thomson external linear axis CTU can support even the largest FANUC cobots, including the CRX30iA, meeting the most demanding requirements for ruggedness and precision.
For more information, visit https://www.thomsonlinear.com/crx
About FANUC Corporation
FANUC America Corporation is a subsidiary of FANUC CORPORATION in Japan, and provides industry-leading CNC systems, robotics and ROBOMACHINEs. FANUC's innovative technologies and proven expertise help manufacturers in the Americas maximize productivity, reliability and profitability. Headquartered in Rochester Hills, Mich., FANUC America has facilities throughout North and South America. Visit www.fanucamerica.com for more information or explore the CRX line of cobots at CRX.FANUCAmerica.com.
Connect with FANUC America on YouTube, X, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.
About Regal Rexnord
Regal Rexnord's 30,000 associates around the world help create a better tomorrow by providing sustainable solutions that power, transmit and control motion. The Company's automation offering, comprised of controllers, drives, precision motors, actuators, and linear systems, controls motion in applications ranging from factory automation to precision tools used in surgical applications.
The Company's linear motion brands - Thomson, Nook, and Delevan - have nearly 80 years of achievement in motion control innovation and are the premier producers of Linear Actuators, Linear Ball Bushing® Bearings, Profile Rail Linear Guides, 60 Case® LinearRace® Shafting, Ground and Rolled Ball Screws, Lead and Acme Screws, Screw Jacks, Linear Units, Robot Transfer Units, and related accessories. Ever since inventing the Linear Ball Bushing Bearing in 1945, our brands have set the standard with an unsurpassed set of linear motion control solutions serving global material handling, industrial automation, medical and health, food and beverage processing, aerospace and defense, mobile off-highway, and many other markets through engineering, manufacturing and sales facilities in North America, Europe and Asia.
Regal Rexnord is comprised of three operating segments: Industrial Powertrain Solutions, Power Efficiency Solutions, and Automation & Motion Control. Regal Rexnord is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and has manufacturing, sales and service facilities worldwide. For more information, including a copy of our Sustainability Report, visit RegalRexnord.com.
— Originally published at roboticstomorrow.com
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