Robot extension: First "collaborative 7th axis" with up to 10 meters of safe operating range

Robotics Robot extension: First "collaborative 7th axis" with up to 10 meters of safe operating range

2024-12-04 From Margit Kuther | Translated by AI 3 min Reading Time

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Thomson's collaborative reach extension for cobots, MovoTrak CTU, also referred to as the "7th axis," extends the horizontal range of motion up to ten meters and offers intelligent collision detection.

Robot extension: The Movotrak CTU from Thomson can be seamlessly combined with robots of different sizes and brands.(Image: Thomson) — Robot extension: The Movotrak CTU from Thomson can be seamlessly combined with robots of different sizes and brands.
(Image: Thomson)

Thomson Industries, a manufacturer of mechanical motion solutions, is offering what it claims to be the first true collaborative reach extension with collision detection for cobots. The new MovoTrak CTU (Cobot Transfer Unit), also known as the "7th axis," features configurable collision detection, providing significant advantages in both programming and controlling the robot. In parallel, a Robot Transfer Unit (RTU) for industrial applications has been launched, which can be flexibly combined with the desired motor and frequency converter.

In addition to an extended horizontal range of motion of up to 10 meters, the MovoTrak CTU is characterized by intelligent collision detection that immediately stops the robot when it encounters an obstacle: for true collaboration and maximized productivity.

"With this extension of collaborative functionality along the 7th axis, manufacturing companies can deploy cobots to enable closer and more flexible collaboration between humans and machines. Using the same robot for multiple workstations also increases productivity and maximizes the return on investment of the robot. Therefore, we are extremely proud to introduce this true game changer to the world of collaborative robotics," explains Hans Dahlen, Product Line Manager for Linear Systems at Thomson.

Collaborative robotics redefined

The Thomson MovoTrak CTU, also known as a reach extension, features a Kollmorgen servomotor and guide rails with linear units to move a cobot assembly between multiple processing stations. However, unlike all other 7th axes, the MovoTrak CTU includes collision detection similar to that of a cobot joint. During setup, users only need to adjust the sensitivity of the collision detection on a control tablet—the motor drive, along with the digital I/O, then takes over the collision monitoring and stopping of the cobot.

Furthermore, the collision detection system continuously monitors current consumption to immediately detect positional errors in the motor, thereby providing effective collision protection along the entire 7th axis. Additionally, after stopping, the system retracts a few millimeters to prevent pinching.

The Movotrak CTU can be seamlessly combined with robots of different sizes and brands, such as Universal Robots (UR). With this brand, all programming can be done directly via a URCap interface on the associated UR teach pendant. And since all collision monitoring and safety logic run in the Thomson drive, the bandwidth for the UR controller remains almost unaffected.

Easy teaching

Similar to the Freedrive of cobot joints, the free-run functionality of the MovoTrak CTU enables manual setting of linear waypoints during programming. Users manually push the robot along the 7th axis to the desired points in a sequence, which they can then easily save at the push of a button. A practical example of this function is the task of an aircraft quality inspector who repeatedly needs images of the same area. Another example would be a welder who wants to perform predefined welding operations at multiple points.

Robust, highly flexible, and suitable for the largest cobots

The MovoTrak CTU is based on two linear units that ensure exceptional moment load capacity and stiffness of the system. This design is intended to consistently deliver top performance even with the robot arm fully extended, setting new standards for reliability. Additionally, it offers unmatched flexibility: Since the 7th axis can be integrated horizontally, overhead, or in a wall configuration, it provides a highly flexible solution for various application scenarios. Moreover, the MovoTrak CTU is compatible with the largest cobots like the UR20 and UR30, meeting the special requirements of customers thanks to its technical features.

An alternative for the rapid integration of industrial robots

For users who prefer a servo/auxiliary axis motor with a frequency converter, Thomson is also launching a new industrial RTU. This allows robotic systems to be quickly equipped with a 7th axis. Included in the package is a Thomson RediMount motor adapter kit, enabling users to mount their motor in less than a minute and use their own robot control to take advantage of the RTU. The industrial RTU is also compatible with numerous robot brands and sizes. It employs the same design with two linear units and carriage including a bolted mounting plate as the Movotrak CTU, thus offering the same optimal precision for a wide range of applications.

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The Movotrak CTU from Thomson, available immediately, is delivered as a complete set including linear units, gear, motor, frequency converters, control unit, software, limit switches, and cable management. The also available industrial RTU from Thomson includes two linear units, a gear, a motor adapter kit, a mounting plate, as well as limit switches and cable management. (mk)