The Rise of the Seventh Axis in Robotic Applications
The seventh axis for robotic applications is truly having its moment. Not too long ago, discussions surrounding robotic technology typically revolved around the capabilities of four, five, or six-axis robot arms, emphasizing their functionality in industrial and collaborative environments. However, recent years have shifted the spotlight to the seventh axis, with an impressive surge in the number of seventh-axis products hitting the market. This emerging trend highlights both the evolving nature of automation and the increasing demand for versatile robotic solutions.
Understanding the Seventh Axis
If you’re not yet familiar with the seventh axis—often referred to as a robot transfer unit (RTU)—it essentially serves as a linear track that connects to a robotic arm. This configuration allows the robot to traverse from one location in a work cell or assembly line to another seamlessly. The flexibility provided by the seventh axis enables more comprehensive applications in automation, making it an attractive option for industries seeking to improve productivity and efficiency.
Güdel: A Leader in Seventh-Axis Technology
One of the key players in the realm of the seventh axis is Güdel, a Swiss company that has long specialized in the development of tracks, axes, and gantries for automated assembly processes. With their extensive experience, Güdel has been at the forefront of integrating the seventh axis into mainstream robotic applications.
Recently, Güdel unveiled the CoboMover, a seventh-axis linear track designed specifically for collaborative and lightweight robots. This innovative product extends the operational range of these robots by up to 5 meters (16.4 ft), allowing them to transition across multiple workstations and perform a variety of tasks without the need for manual intervention. The emphasis on collaboration makes the CoboMover particularly appealing in environments where human-robot interaction is commonplace.
Key Features of the CoboMover
Güdel claims that the CoboMover is compatible with more than 60 cobots and smaller traditional robots, providing versatile mounting options at 0° and 180°. Its maximum payload capacity, including the robot’s own weight, reaches 78 kg (172 lbs). Users can choose from multiple stroke lengths—1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, and 5000mm—catered to diverse operational needs.
Performance-wise, the CoboMover boasts a maximum speed of 2 m/s and can achieve an acceleration rate of 2 m/s², delivering impressive repeatability at ± 0.05 mm. The drive system employs a toothed belt along with Güdel’s HPG045 angular gearbox, enhancing the overall efficiency and reliability of the system.
Expanding Capabilities with the TMF-4-B Modular Track System
Beyond the CoboMover, Güdel has also rolled out the TMF-4-B modular track system, which features air bearings. This innovative design caters specifically to the automotive industry, handling components with precision for tasks like welding and assembly. What’s noteworthy about the TMF-4-B is its capacity to move robots weighing up to six tons, showcasing its heavy-duty capabilities.
The TMF-4-B was developed in response to an integrator’s need to maneuver a precision paint robot in and out of position without embedding tracks into the facility’s floor. This adaptability not only saves time during installation but also maintains the flexibility required in dynamic production environments, making it invaluable for automotive applications.
Innovations in Automation
The recent advancements in seventh-axis technology point to a broader trend in the industry—an increasing demand for adaptable, efficient, and collaborative robotic solutions. As companies like Güdel continue to pioneer these developments, we can expect even more innovative applications and products to emerge in the field of automation.
The rise of the seventh axis is more than just a fleeting trend; it reflects the growing complexity and sophistication required in modern robotic systems. As industrial landscapes evolve, so too will the technologies that drive them, ensuring a future where robots are integral partners in productivity.