
Thomson Industries Inc.
Thomson Industries Inc., a linear motion control solutions manufacturer, has released the first true collaborative extension of cobots. The Movotrak CTU 7th axis features collision detection settings for programming and control benefits. An industrial robot transfer unit (RTU) has also launched, which can be integrated with a user’s preferred motor and drive.
Adding a horizontal operating range up to 10m, the Movotrak cobot transfer unit (CTU) sets itself apart with collision detection that stops the cobot when it encounters an obstacle, facilitating collaboration and increasing productivity.
“With the extension of the collaborative functionality along the 7th axis, manufacturers can deploy cobots to work more closely and flexibly with humans,” says says 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.”
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, 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.
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.
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. 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.
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.
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.