RARUK Automation to offer collaborative 7th axis
Leading automation distributor, RARUK Automation, has announced a new partnership with Thomson, a Regal Rexnord Brand. The global leader in mechanical motion technology recently launched the Movotrak CTU (cobot transfer unit). RARUK Automation, known for supplying Universal Robots collaborative robots (cobots), can now offer Movotrak CTU as a complimentary product to its customers.
The Movotrak CTU features collision detection settings for programming and control benefits. The collaborative 7th axis will immediately stop the cobot when it detects an obstacle. This offers increased reach for collaborative applications, whilst maintaining high standards of safety.
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.
A versatile solution
The 7th axis increases the robot’s operating range up to 10 metres, meaning that a cobot can be utilised for more than one workstation. Offering flexibility for users, the Movotrak CTU 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.
Fully compatible with Universal Robots, the Movotrak CTU can be programmed directly through a URCap interface on the UR Teach Pendant. All collision monitoring and safeguard logic runs in the Thomson drive, so bandwidth competition with the UR controls is minimal.
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. This could particularly benefit a range of applications, such as welding, quality inspection or lab automation.
Optimised collaborative robot applications
The collaborative 7th axis offers maximised efficiency, as one robot can operate multiple workstations. It also offers 24/7 operation, enabling increased throughput. By utilising the Movotrak CTU, businesses can make efficient use of space and resources.
“We’re excited to partner with Thomson to bring the Movotrak CTU to our customers,” comments Ross Lacy, Sales Director at RARUK Automation. “This innovative 7th axis solution perfectly complements our range of Universal Robots cobots, offering enhanced reach, safety and flexibility. The Movotrak CTU empowers manufacturers to optimise their collaborative applications, maximise efficiency and unlock new automation possibilities.”
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