FANUC and Regal Rexnord Add a 7th Axis to Robot Automation Systems

Regal Rexnord and FANUC are collaborating on fully integrated robotic systems that mount FANUC CRX six-axis robots on a Thomson Movotrak CTU track, effectively creating a seventh axis of motion. The track allows robots to travel along the work area, extending their reach and providing greater flexibility without necessarily requiring additional robots or more complex workpiece positioning. The integrated solution combines FANUC robotics with Regal Rexnord components, while configuration tools on the robot teach pendant are designed to simplify programming, reduce collision risks, and accelerate deployment across manufacturing applications.

Regal Rexnord

Regal Rexnord is a collection of well-known automation brands, combined under one parent company. Brands such as Kollmorgen, Automation Solutions, Warner Electric, Rollway, Sealmaster, and many others fall under this umbrella. They have nearly 80 years of experience in the automation hardware space, and have worked with virtually all industries and manufacturing systems.

Having access to so many key industry players means Regal Rexnord can pick the absolute best parts for a particular application. For the collaboration with FANUC, they had plenty of choices to evaluate, ultimately selecting the best parts for the job. They chose a collection of hardware, including Huco connections, Kollmorgen motors, and other components that meet the requirements to move the FANUC CRX robots.

Thomson (Regal Rexnord) Movotrak CTU will provide the 7th axis of motion. Image used courtesy of Thomson

FANUC’s CRX Series Robots

FANUC is an industry leader in multi-axis robotic motion. They have numerous robots in their catalog, including the CRX series of 6-axis robots. Known for their lifting capacity and long reach, the CRX series is available in a range of sizes and configurations, including food-safe models, models optimized for painting and coating, and other models for specific operations. Some models can lift up to 30 kg and reach up to 1889 mm. The CRX series robots are also designed for quick installation and configuration. They feature a “teach” pendant that can be used to program the robot’s motion.

The FANUC CRX-i10 6-axis robot can be used for picking, packing, assembly, welding and many other tasks. Image used courtesy of FANUC

The End Result

Building an automation system pieced together from multiple vendors is a tricky endeavor. Ensuring communication, safety, and minimal downtime are challenging when multiple manufacturers are involved. This is precisely the problem Regal Rexnord and FANUC wanted to address.

Ultimately, the first of these collaborative robots will feature a FANUC CRX series of robots and various Regal Rexnord-branded tools. Certified FANUC integrators ensure that the various components work together seamlessly and provide the end user with a seamless, integrated collaborative robot.

Thomson’s (Regal Rexnord brand) configuration tools will be available directly on the teach pendant, which can significantly reduce the time required to teach the robot. Furthermore, this set of tools extends cobot reach, reduces the likelihood of collisions, and offers many other advantages.

Thomson will also provide the track on which the robot moves. For this, the Movotrack CTU was chosen for its plug-and-play operation and flexibility in track lengths and configurations. The FANUC CRX series robots are mounted on this track, providing an integrated, easy-to-program 7-axis robotic solution and adding flexibility that any automation engineer can appreciate.