Regal Rexnord has joined forces with ABB Robotics to simplify integration of its GoFa collaborative robots (cobots) into 7th axis cobot transfer units (CTUs)—linear motion systems that extend cobot reach and workspace—from Thomson Linear, a Regal Rexnord brand. 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,” said Kevin Zaba, executive vice president and president, automation and motion control segment, of Regal Rexnord. “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 is designed to offer extended operating range, flexible mounting options, collision detection, increased productivity and single-source integration.
Thomson linear units are integrated with other Regal Rexnord components, including Boston Gear gearheads, Huco couplings and Kollmorgen motors and software, for a complete 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.”
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 products, 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.
