Regal Rexnord Teams Up with ABB Robotics for Seamless Cobot Integration

In a strategic move aimed at enhancing automation efficiency, Regal Rexnord has partnered with automation powerhouse ABB Robotics. This collaboration is designed to simplify the integration of Regal Rexnord’s GoFa collaborative robots (cobots) into Thomson’s 7th Axis Cobot Transfer Units (CTUs). This breakthrough not only streamlines operations but also sets a new standard for ease of use in industrial automation.

Pioneering Cobot Technology

The Thomson Movotrak CTU has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first cobot 7th axis technology to receive certification from ABB Robotics for its partner ecosystem. This means users can now implement this innovative technology with confidence, knowing it meets the rigorous standards set by ABB.

Kevin Zaba, EVP and president of the automation and motion control segment at Regal Rexnord, emphasized the implications of this collaboration. “Previously, integrating a single, plug-and-play ABB cobot across multiple workstations could lead to complex programming and communication challenges,” he explained. With the preconfigured Movotrak CTU, users can now deploy ABB cobots quickly and efficiently, reducing the time spent on intricate integration tasks.

Key Features of the Movotrak CTU

The Thomson Movotrak CTU is not just another cobot accessory; it introduces several groundbreaking features, including:

• Extended Operating Range: With capabilities extending up to 10 meters, this collaborative 7th axis pushes the traditional bounds of cobot operation.

• Flexible Mounting Options: The CTU can be easily relocated across workstations, whether it’s secured to the floor, wall, or ceiling, thus making it versatile for different environments.

• Collision Detection: This is the first 7th axis solution to incorporate collision detection. The system intelligently halts the cobot upon encountering obstacles, enhancing safety and operational reliability.

• Increased Productivity: The 7th Axis Freedrive mode ensures minimal downtime, facilitating easier training and installation for users.

• Single-Source, Fully Integrated Solution: By integrating with other Regal Rexnord components like Boston Gear gearheads and Kollmorgen motors, the system simplifies procurement and assembly with a single part number.

Commitment to Customer-Focused Innovation

Louis Pinkham, CEO of Regal Rexnord, lauded the partnership with ABB Robotics as an exemplar of how innovative technologies can be unified into customer-ready solutions. By synergizing the expertise of Regal Rexnord’s brands—Thomson, Kollmorgen, Boston Gear, and Huco—the partnership is geared towards unlocking greater productivity and flexibility for clients’ automation strategies.

Pinkham further noted, “This collaboration reflects our ongoing commitment to innovation and value through system-level thinking." The integrated solution is not merely an addition to existing capabilities but a leap in creating more streamlined automation processes.

The ABB Robotics Ecosystem

As part of the ABB Robotics partner ecosystem, Regal Rexnord’s offerings come with numerous benefits. ABB partners are known for developing pre-engineered accessories and software that easily integrate with ABB’s expansive portfolio. Such partnerships are crucial in reducing the time and effort involved in setting up robotic systems for various applications.

Regal Rexnord’s participation includes important updates to mounting hardware, a specialized plug-and-play wiring harness, and programming essential for interfacing with the ABB software platform. This ensures that certified ABB robotic application developers can seamlessly access Thomson configuration tools directly on the ABB FlexPendant user interface.

Enhancing Automation Strategies

The collaboration between Regal Rexnord and ABB Robotics stands to significantly impact the way organizations approach automation. By simplifying integration and focusing on practical solutions, this partnership paves the way for enhanced productivity without compromising safety and usability.

In a world where efficiency and safety are paramount, initiatives like these set the foundation for more advanced, flexible automation solutions. The combined expertise and resources of Regal Rexnord and ABB Robotics not only improve existing systems but also lay the groundwork for future advancements in collaborative robotics.