Movotrak Cobot Transfer Unit Adds 7th Axis With Collision Detection to Cobots
Thomson Industries has released a true collaborative extension of cobots. The Movotrak CTU 7th axis features collision detection settings for better programming and control benefits.
Adding a horizontal operating range of up to 33 ft (10 m), the Movotrak cobot transfer unit's (CTU) collision detection stops the cobot when encountering an obstacle, facilitating collaboration and increasing productivity.
Also known as a range extender, the Movotrak features a Kollmorgen servo motor and linear-unit-driven guide rails that move a cobot assembly from one task location to another. However, unlike 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.
The collision detection system also continuously monitors current, 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 with many cobot sizes and brands, including Universal Robots (UR), which allows all programming to be done directly through a URCap interface on its 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 free drive of cobot joints, the Movotrak free drive functionality enables the 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 push button.
The dual-linear unit solution provides good moment load capacity and stiffness. The 7th axis can be mounted in a horizontal, inverted, or wall-mounted configuration, making it adaptable for diverse applications.
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.
For those with a preferred servo/auxiliary axis motor and drive, Thomson also released a new industrial RTU, which 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. Available immediately, the industrial RTU includes dual linear units, a gearhead, a motor mounting adapter kit, a mounting plate, end-of-stroke limit switches, and cable management.
Features:
- Collision detection settings provide users with:
- User-adjustable collision detection
- Large surface areas act as paddles, allowing for a safeguard stop when contacted
- All collision monitoring is conducted on the Movotrak motor drive and/or digital I/O with minimal processing required from the UR controller
- Safety I/O connections for all stopping scenarios are supplied by the cobot and third-party safeguard devices
- Compatible with many cobot brands, including ABB, Denso, Doosan, Fanuc, Kassow, Kawasaki, Techman, Universal Robots, and Yamaha
- 7th axis Freedrive programming mode allows hand-driven movements to set linear waypoints directly on the UR Teach Pendant
- A dual-linear unit delivers good moment load and stiffness
- Can be mounted with any UR robot in all directions
- End-of-stroke limit switches and cable management included
- Mounting feet are provided to mount the 7th axis to industry-standard metric or inch extrusions
Thomson Industries, Inc.
Downers Grove, IL
(540) 633-3549
[email protected]
thomsonlinear.com
