Maximize productivity with Thomson's Innovate 7th axis solution

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THOMSON INDUSTRIES

Movotrak cobot transfer unit (CTU) 7th axis features collision detection settings for programming and control benefits. Adding a horizontal operating range up to 10m, it offers collision detection stopping the cobot when it encounters an obstacle, facilitating collaboration and increasing productivity.

Also known as a range extender, the Thomson Movotrak CTU 7th axis features a Kollmorgen servo motor and linear-unit-driven guide rails moving 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 anti-collision capabilities along the entire 7th axis. The system includes a small reverse-move feature to eliminate pinch points following a stop.

The Movotrak CTU 7th axis integrates with multiple cobot sizes and brands.

Similar to the free drive of cobot joints, its free drive 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 the push of a button.

The Movotrak CTU 7th axis distinguishes itself through its dual-linear unit solution, delivering precise moment load capacity and stiffness. This ensures peak performance, even when fully extending the cobot arm. The 7th axis can be mounted in a horizontal, inverted, or wall-mounted configuration.

Thomson Industries Inc.
https://www.thomsonlinear.com