Freedom for jointed-arm robots: 7th axis from igus expands the working space by up to 400 percent

Jointed-arm robots can travel over six meters and thus quadruple their working space: The 7th axis, which igus offers for this job, is now compatible with all lightweight jointed-arm robots worldwide thanks to a simple plug & play kit. So far, models from Universal Robots, Epson and the robolink series from igus have benefited from this increased mobility. Now Omron, Franka Emika, Doosan, Yuanda Robotics and many other suppliers of lightweight robotics are also joining in.

According to Alexander Mühlens, the first users of the so-called 7th axis, a linear axis with an electric toothed belt drive, which igus launched in the summer of 2020, were thrilled: “Suddenly, their jointed-arm robots are similarly mobile as humans thanks to the additional axis. As a result, they are able to take on multiple tasks in automation environments are much more productive,” says the head of automation technology at igus. “We have therefore decided to extend the compatibility of the system to all manufacturers worldwide – such as Omron, Franka Emika, Doosan and Yuanda Robotics. We make the adaptation possible with a matching plug & play kit consisting of hardware and software.”

Ready-to-connect complete solution for all lightweight jointed-arm robots

In the future, all lightweight jointed-arm robots in the weight range of 10 to 50 kilograms or, depending on the dynamics, a payload of 2 to 20 kilograms, will be able to use the 7th axis. igus supplies the system as a ready-to-connect complete solution from a single source. It consists of a toothed belt axis of the drylin ZLW series up to six meters long with two parallel rails made of aluminum, which can be mounted on the floor, walls or ceilings, and a toothed belt drive with stepper motor for a positioning accuracy of 0.3 millimeters. Also included is an energy chain for routing power and data cables, a control cabinet integration kit with cables, motor controller and the respective software solution, and a carriage with the adapter plate that igus adapts to the geometry of thousands of jointed-arm robots. All components are perfectly matched, so that users can quickly put the system into operation and benefit from the new mobility without expensive design and tuning efforts.

Save operating costs: 7th axis is lubrication- and maintenance-free

Users not only save time and money when planning and purchasing the 7th axis, but also during operation. This is because the system is maintenance-free. The reason: The carriages move on the aluminum rails with the help of drylin linear technology. The high-performance plastic of the bearings enables low-friction and maintenance-free dry running – relubrication is not required. The absence of lubricants also makes the system hygienic, as lubricating oil is a real dirt magnet. Particularly as a stainless steel variant with FDA-compliant components, the linear guide is thus also ideally suited for sectors such as the food industry.

For more information, please visit: https://www.igus.de/