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Cobot 7th axis with collision detection turbocharges multitasking

[All images courtesy of Thomson Industries]

 

 

Thomson Industries has released what it is calling "the first-ever true collaborative extension for cobots." The new Movotrak CTU 7th axis features collision detection settings for expanded programming and control benefits. An industrial robot transfer unit (RTU) has also launched, which can be easily integrated with a user's preferred motor and drive.

"With the extension of the collaborative functionality along the 7th axis, manufacturers can deploy cobots to work more closely and flexibly with humans," said Kyle Thompson, product innovation manager at Thomson. "Using the same cobot for more than one workstation boosts productivity and extracts maximum value from the initial cobot investment. We are thrilled to bring this game-changing addition to the world of collaborative robotics."

Also known as a range extender, the Thomson Movotrak CTU 7th axis features a Kollmorgen servo motor and linear-unit-driven guide rails that move a cobot assembly from one task location to another. However, unlike all other 7th axes, the Movotrak CTU has collision detection functionality similar to a cobot joint. Users adjust collision sensitivity settings on a control tablet during setup, and the Movotrak CTU motor drive and digital I/O manage the collision monitoring and shutdown. Movotrak CTU adds a horizontal operating range up to 10 m.

The collision detection system also monitors current continuously, detecting position errors in the motor, and providing comprehensive anti-collision capabilities along the entire 7th axis. The system includes a small reverse-move feature that eliminates pinch points following a stop.

The Movotrak CTU 7th axis integrates seamlessly with many cobot sizes and brands, including Universal Robots (UR), which allows all programming to be done directly through a URCap interface on their UR Teach Pendant. All collision monitoring and safeguard logic runs in the Thomson drive, so bandwidth competition with the UR controls is minimal.

Easy learning
Similar to the freedrive of cobot joints, the Movotrak CTU 7th axis freedrive functionality enables hand-driven setting of linear waypoints during programming. Users manually slide the cobot where they would like it to be in a sequence along the 7th axis and register that with a simple push button. Thomson says a good use case example of this feature is an aircraft quality inspector who needs repeated images of the same area over time. Another might be a welder who wants to carry out welding sequences at multiple locations.

Robust and versatile
The Movotrak CTU 7th axis distinguishes itself through its innovative dual-linear unit solution, delivering exceptional moment load capacity and stiffness. This design ensures peak performance, even when fully extending the cobot arm, setting a new standard for reliability. Moreover, it offers unparalleled flexibility. The 7th axis can be seamlessly mounted in a horizontal, inverted, or wall-mounted configuration, making it an adaptable choice for diverse applications. Notably, the Movotrak CTU 7th axis is well-equipped for compatibility with even the largest cobots, such as the UR20 and UR30, meeting the specific needs of Thomson customers and responding to the high demand for such configurations.

A quick integration alternative for industrial robots
For those with a preferred servo/auxiliary axis motor and drive, Thomson is also releasing a new industrial RTU that allows users to quickly and easily equip their robotic applications with a 7th axis. With a Thomson RediMount motor mounting adapter kit included, users can integrate their motor in less than a minute and use their own robotic controller to take advantage of the RTU. Compatible with many robot brands and sizes, the industrial RTU features the same dual-linear-unit design and carriage-mounted mounting plate as the Movotrak CTU to ensure optimal precision for your application.

The RTU is compatible with small- to medium-sized industrial robots with overall weight less than 250 lb. Linear speeds are up to 5 m/sec. Stroke length is up to 10 m.

Available immediately, the Thomson Movotrak CTU 7th axis ships as a kit, including the linear units, gearhead, motor, drives, control box, software, end-of-stroke limit switches, and cable management. The Thomson industrial RTU is also available and includes dual linear units, gearhead, motor mounting adapter kit, mounting plate, end-of-stroke limit switches, and cable management.

Source: Thomson Industries

Published April 2025

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