#USA #Milwaukee #Regal Rexnord #ABB Robotics #GoFa

Regal Rexnord and ABB Robotics Collaboration

On August 5, 2025, Regal Rexnord Corporation announced a strategic partnership with ABB Robotics aimed at simplifying the integration of their GoFa™ collaborative robots (cobots) into 7th Axis Cobot Transfer Units (CTUs) manufactured by Thomson. This innovative collaboration marks a significant milestone in the robotics industry, as the Thomson Movotrak™ CTU has now become the first cobot 7th axis technology certified for use within the ABB Robotics partner ecosystem.

Enhancing Productivity Through Simplified Integration

Kevin Zaba, Executive Vice President and President of the Automation & Motion Control segment at Regal Rexnord, highlighted that prior to this collaboration, businesses looking to deploy a single ABB cobot across multiple workstations encountered complex communication issues and extensive programming requirements. However, with the preconfigured Movotrak CTU, users can now enjoy a plug-and-play experience that facilitates quicker deployment of ABB cobots right off the shelf.

This transition eliminates the often frustrating and time-consuming integration details, allowing integrators, distributors, and end-users to focus on using the technology to solve productivity challenges effectively.

Key Features of the Thomson Movotrak CTU

The Thomson Movotrak CTU 7th Axis offers several groundbreaking features:

• - Extended Operating Range: Unlike traditional cobots, it broadens the operational range by up to 10 meters.
• - Flexible Mounting Options: The system can be effortlessly moved between different workstations mounted securely to floors, walls, or ceilings.
• - Collision Detection: This solution includes a sophisticated collision detection mechanism, which halts the cobot's operation upon contact with an obstacle—this ensures both safety and efficiency.
• - Increased Productivity: With less downtime and expedited training and installation processes, the CTU operates in a unique 7th Axis Freedrive mode.
• - Single-Source Solution: Combining Thomson's linear units with other Regal Rexnord components like Boston Gear gearheads, Huco couplings, and Kollmorgen motors, this fully integrated solution simplifies the purchasing process by requiring just one part number.

A Testament to Technological Integration

Louis Pinkham, CEO of Regal Rexnord, expressed enthusiasm over this collaboration. He stated, “This partnership with ABB Robotics exemplifies how our unique Regal Rexnord technologies can merge into impactful, customer-ready solutions.” By leveraging the expertise available across Regal Rexnord’s Thomson, Kollmorgen, Boston Gear, and Huco brands, the collaboration aims to streamline automation strategies for their customers, thereby enhancing overall productivity and flexibility in operations.

The ABB Robotics Ecosystem

ABB Robotics is renowned as a leading supplier in the field of robotics and machine automation. Their comprehensive portfolio includes not just robotic solutions, but also Autonomous Mobile Robots and orchestrating software that enhances process efficiency. The partnership with Regal Rexnord fits seamlessly within the ABB Robotics partner ecosystem and serves to furnish clients with pre-engineered packages that are quick to deploy and easy to integrate with ABB’s acclaimed robotic offerings.

Across the globe, Regal Rexnord and ABB Robotics are committed to advancing automation technologies that not only drive efficiency but also support sustainable manufacturing practices in various sectors including automotive, electronics, and logistics. By integrating the Thomson configuration tools directly into the ABB FlexPendant user interface, certified ABB application developers can enhance their workflow and boost productivity for end-users significantly.

For further details on this collaboration and products, one can visit Thomson's official site.

The future of robotics integration is here, and with Regal Rexnord and ABB Robotics partnering, customers can expect enhanced operational capabilities and innovations that redefine automation across industries.