Robot Transfer Unit: Moving heavy loads automatically

Rollon: Production Automation Reliably Move And Position Robots

2026-04-21 Source: Press release | Translated by AI 2 min Reading Time

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The Robot Transfer Unit (RTU) from Rollon GmbH makes it easy to automate the transportation and positioning of heavy loads. This is possible, for example, when loading and unloading forming machines.

The "Robot Transfer Units" from Rollon prove to be particularly advantageous when moving and positioning large robots that carry loads weighing up to 2,200 pounds.(Image: Rollon) — The "Robot Transfer Units" from Rollon prove to be particularly advantageous when moving and positioning large robots that carry loads weighing up to 2,200 pounds.
(Image: Rollon)

Founded in 1991, the system integrator MWES (Midwest Engineered Systems), Wisconsin/USA, specializes in complex projects. With a high level of innovation and a practical approach, the company develops customized systems for the manufacturing industry. For example, the handling and transportation of large, heavy cast and welded components was to be automated.

Transporting Large, Heavy Components

The process involves reliably lifting, transporting and accurately positioning massive components with high precision and reliability. The experts at MWES use an "M-2000iA/900L" robot (Fanuc) for this purpose. It weighs 21,000 pounds and can pick up loads weighing up to 2,000 pounds. It therefore requires a particularly stable and robust unit for the linear movement and guidance of the complete unit consisting of robot and load. This must enable dynamic movements in order to achieve short cycle times. It must achieve a long service life in harsh environments.

Robust, Low-Maintenance, Efficient

Thanks to their modular design, the stable, robust RTU transfer units from Rollon can be flexibly adapted and used universally.(Image: Rollon) — Thanks to their modular design, the stable, robust RTU transfer units from Rollon can be flexibly adapted and used universally.
(Image: Rollon)

The automation specialists at MWES found the right transport system at Rollon, one of the world's leading full-range suppliers of linear drive technology. The robot is now mounted on a 33 feet long "Robot Transfer Unit" (RTU) made of steel from Rollon. This can easily guide and move the robot with its maximum load. The RTU significantly extends the robot's radius of action and enables it to reach several stations, for example for welding, cleaning and measuring the picked-up components. Thanks to its modular design, the RTU can be adapted precisely to the layout and process. Low-maintenance components minimize downtimes and operating costs.

Optimize Pick-And-Place

Thanks to the extensive expertise of the experts at MWES and Rollon's high-quality linear technology, the pick-and-place processes for heavy components are now fully automated. This reduces the workload on personnel, ensures short throughput times and reliable processes. The component manufacturer can therefore work much more productively. The components are also positioned with repeat accuracy. This helps to reduce the number of interruptions in the production process.

The RTU currently fulfills all criteria. However, it can be expanded to meet further requirements in the future. RTUs from Rollon therefore enable the system integrator to design and implement additional automation systems quickly and easily in the future. As a specialist in linear drive technology, Rollon GmbH, which was founded in 1975, is proving to be the ideal partner for automation in machining and forming production. The company now includes manufacturers of roller and plain bearings as well as linear axes, ball screws, rod ends and other drive elements. The company can therefore provide a wide range of drive technology and any combination thereof as comprehensive systems from a single source.

(kmu)

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