Regal Rexnord Corporation has announced a strategic collaboration with robotics and automation company FANUC to deliver a fully integrated collaborative robotics solution combining technologies and expertise from several of its brands. The solution brings together Thomson linear motion technology with Boston Gear gearheads, Huco couplings, and Kollmorgen motors and software. It enables FANUC CRX users to deploy the Thomson Movotrak Cobot Transfer Unit (CTU) as a seamless, out-of-the-box external axis solution.
Following extensive compatibility testing with FANUC’s CRX Series collaborative robots, the Movotrak CTU has been added to the FANUC Cobot Device network through a jointly developed plug-in interface. This integration enables greater collaboration between human workers and robotic systems. Certified FANUC integrators can access Thomson configuration tools directly through their teach pendant, simplifying system setup, extending cobot reach, using collision detection programming and control, and accelerating the deployment of external linear axis applications.
“Adding an external axis transport layer to a 6-axis cobot opens new avenues for productivity, innovation and profitability for our customers. We’ve worked closely with FANUC to deliver this capability for their CRX cobot line, and it is now ready for deployment. The Thomson Movotrak CTU brings together robotic innovations from across Regal Rexnord, including Thomson linear systems, Boston Gear gearheads, Huco couplings and Kollmorgen motors and software, allowing integrators to configure a fully integrated system directly within the FANUC engineering environment,” said Emily Kern, president of Regal Rexnord’s Linear Motion Division.
The collaboration demonstrates Regal Rexnord’s ability to combine complementary technologies from across its automation portfolio to address complex customer requirements. By integrating linear motion, gearing, couplings, motors and software into one engineered solution, Regal Rexnord aims to simplify the adoption of advanced robotics while enhancing performance, reliability and deployment speed.
“FANUC is a highly regarded leader in industrial robotic technology, ranging from compact systems to those capable of handling the most demanding industrial payloads. We’re proud that the Thomson CTU is now approved for integration with their cobot platform, helping advance the next generation of human-robot collaboration and intelligent motion systems,” said Kevin Long, EVP and President, Automation & Motion Control segment of Regal Rexnord.
