Movotrak CTU 7th Axis Provides Enhanced Cobot Mobility and Safety
Thomson Industries has unveiled the Movotrak CTU 7th axis, a groundbreaking extension for collaborative robots (cobots) that integrates advanced collision detection for enhanced programming and operational control. This innovative range extender enables cobots to seamlessly transition between task locations while maintaining productivity and safety.
Expanding Collaborative Possibilities
The Movotrak CTU adds a horizontal operating range of up to 10 meters (33 feet), allowing cobots to perform tasks across larger workspaces. Equipped with a Kollmorgen servo motor and linear-unit-driven guide rails, it ensures precise and efficient movement. What sets the Movotrak apart from other 7th axes is its built-in collision detection system, which mirrors the sensitivity of cobot joints. This functionality stops the cobot upon detecting obstacles, ensuring safe collaboration and minimizing downtime.
Advanced Collision Detection Features
The Movotrak’s collision detection system continuously monitors motor current and detects positional errors, providing robust anti-collision capabilities. Users can fine-tune collision sensitivity via a control tablet during setup. The system also incorporates a reverse-move feature to mitigate pinch points after a stop, further enhancing safety. All collision monitoring and safeguard logic are managed by the Thomson motor drive and digital I/O, reducing processing demands on the cobot’s primary controller.
Seamless Integration and User-Friendly Programming
Compatible with various cobot sizes and brands, including Universal Robots (UR), the Movotrak integrates effortlessly into existing setups. Programming is simplified through the URCap interface, enabling direct configuration via the UR Teach Pendant. The free drive functionality allows users to manually position the cobot along the 7th axis and set waypoints with a single button press. This intuitive process mirrors the ease of programming cobot joints.
Flexible Configurations and Robust Design
The dual-linear unit design of the Movotrak ensures high moment load capacity and stiffness, making it suitable for demanding applications. It can be installed in horizontal, inverted, or wall-mounted configurations, offering versatility for diverse operational environments. The complete Movotrak CTU kit includes linear units, gearhead, motor, drives, control box, software, end-of-stroke limit switches, and cable management for hassle-free implementation.
Industrial RTU: A Customizable 7th Axis Solution
For users preferring their own servo or auxiliary axis motor and drive, Thomson offers the industrial RTU. This customizable solution includes a Thomson RediMount motor mounting adapter kit for quick integration, enabling users to equip their robotic applications with a 7th axis in under a minute. Like the Movotrak, the industrial RTU features a dual-linear-unit design and carriage-mounted mounting plate, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of robot brands and sizes. The industrial RTU package also includes end-of-stroke limit switches and cable management for streamlined setup.
Key Features of the Movotrak CTU:
- Collision Detection:
- User-adjustable sensitivity settings.
- Large surface areas for effective safeguard stops.
- All monitoring conducted via the Movotrak motor drive and digital I/O, minimizing controller processing.
- Safety I/O connections for integration with third-party devices.
- Wide Compatibility:
- Supports cobot brands such as ABB, Denso, Doosan, Fanuc, Kassow, Kawasaki, Techman, Universal Robots, and Yamaha.
- Freedrive Programming Mode:
- Allows hand-driven movements for setting linear waypoints directly on the UR Teach Pendant.
- Durable Design:
- Dual-linear unit for enhanced moment load and stiffness.
- Multiple mounting options (horizontal, inverted, wall-mounted).
- Complete Kit:
- Includes linear units, gearhead, motor, drives, control box, software, limit switches, and cable management.
Thomson’s Movotrak CTU 7th axis and industrial RTU offer flexible, efficient solutions for extending the range of cobots, enhancing their functionality, and maintaining safety in collaborative environments.
For more information: www.thomsonlinear.com
