8/5/2025 | Regal Rexnord and ABB Robotics Collaborate for Seamless Integration of Cobot 7th Axes

MILWAUKEE, WI – Regal Rexnord Corporation has joined forces with automation leader ABB Robotics to simplify integration of its GoFa? cobots into 7th Axis Cobot Transfer Units (CTUs) from Thomson, one of Regal Rexnord’s leading linear motion brands. This collaboration makes the Thomson Movotrak? CTU the first cobot 7th axis technology that ABB Robotics has certified for use in its partner ecosystem.

“Until now, anyone wanting to use a single, plug-and-play ABB cobot on multiple workstations faced what could be days of programming and communications challenges. As part of the ABB Robotics partner ecosystem, we have preconfigured our Movotrak CTU, ensuring rapid deployment with ABB cobots right out of the box. Integrators, distributors, and end-users can now invest more time using the 7th axis to solve productivity problems than dealing with complex integration details,” said Kevin Zaba, EVP and President, Automation & Motion Control segment of Regal Rexnord.

The Thomson Movotrak CTU 7th Axis offers:

• Extended Operating Range: The Movotrak CTU is the first collaborative 7th axis, extending the traditional cobot operating range up to 10 meters.
• Flexible Mounting Options: Ability to move from one workstation to another along a rail that is secured either to the floor, wall, or ceiling.
• Collision Detection: First 7th axis solution with collision detection, stopping the cobot when it encounters an obstacle.
• Increased Productivity: Less downtime with easier training and installation featuring 7th axis Freedrive mode.
• Single-Source, Fully Integrated Solution: Thomson linear units are integrated with other Regal Rexnord components, including Boston Gear gearheads, Huco couplings, and Kollmorgen motors and software for a complete, high-level assembly with one part number.

“This collaboration with ABB Robotics is a great example of how our differentiated Regal Rexnord technologies can be integrated into high-impact, customer-ready solutions,” said Louis Pinkham, CEO of Regal Rexnord. “By combining the technical expertise of our Thomson, Kollmorgen, Boston Gear, and Huco brands into a seamless, 7th axis system available for the ABB Robotics partner ecosystem, we’re making it easier for customers to unlock greater productivity and flexibility in their automation strategies. It also reflects our ongoing commitment to innovation and delivering value through system-level thinking.”

The ABB Robotics Ecosystem

ABB partners develop and provide packages consisting of pre-engineered accessories and software that are compatible and easily integrated with ABB’s complete portfolio of robotic solutions. As fully integrated, ready-to-use solutions, the packages enable both end users and systems integrators to reduce time and effort in setting up robots for new applications.

Regal Rexnord’s participation in the ABB partner ecosystem involves changes to mounting hardware, development of a specialized plug-and-play wiring harness, and programming to interface with the ABB software platform and engineering environment, including an ABB Web App, Wizard and RAPID? Module Code programming tools. Through the integration, certified ABB robotic application developers will be able to access the Thomson configuration tools directly on the ABB FlexPendant user interface.

For more information visit https://www.thomsonlinear.com/en/products/robot-transfer-units/collaborative-7th-axis-abb.

About ABB Robotics

ABB Robotics & Discrete Automation,?as one of the world’s leading robotics and machine automation suppliers, is the only company with a comprehensive and integrated portfolio covering robots, Autonomous Mobile Robots and machine automation solutions, designed and orchestrated by our value-creating software. We help companies of all sizes and sectors - from automotive to electronics and logistics – to outperform by becoming more resilient, flexible and efficient. ABB Robotics & Discrete Automation supports customers in the transition towards the connected and collaborative factory of the future, operating leaner and cleaner for a better future. The business area employs approximately 11,000 people at over 100 locations in approximately 53 countries.?go.abb/robotics

About Regal Rexnord

Regal Rexnord’s 30,000 associates around the world help create a better tomorrow by providing sustainable solutions that power, transmit and control motion. The Company’s automation offering, comprised of controllers, drives, precision motors, actuators, and linear systems, controls motion in applications ranging from factory automation to precision tools used in surgical applications.

The Company’s linear motion brands – Thomson, Nook, and Delevan – have nearly 80 years of achievement in motion control innovation and are the premier producers of Linear Actuators, Linear Ball Bushing® Bearings, Profile Rail Linear Guides, 60 Case® LinearRace® Shafting, Ground and Rolled Ball Screws, Lead and Acme Screws, Screw Jacks, Linear Units, Robot Transfer Units, and related accessories. Ever since inventing the Linear Ball Bushing Bearing in 1945, our brands have set the standard with an unsurpassed set of linear motion control solutions serving global material handling, industrial automation, medical and health, food and beverage processing, aerospace and defense, mobile off-highway, and many other markets through engineering, manufacturing and sales facilities in North America, Europe and Asia.

Regal Rexnord is comprised of three operating segments: Industrial Powertrain Solutions, Power Efficiency Solutions, and Automation & Motion Control. Regal Rexnord is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and has manufacturing, sales and service facilities worldwide. For more information, including a copy of our Sustainability Report, visit RegalRexnord.com.

For more information on Regal Rexnord brand, Thomson: 2400 Curtiss Street, Downers Grove, IL 60515; 1-540-633-3549; 1-540-633-0294 (fax); Thomson@regalrexnord.com; www.thomsonlinear.com.