DS-AUG26-PG06+07_Layout 1 07/08/2026 10:07 Page 7
55thanniversary
industry news
regal rexnord and fanuc to collaborate on fully integrated robotics solution
Regal Rexnord Corporation has announced a strategic collaboration with FANUC to deliver a fully integrated collaborative robotics solution. This will leverage Thomson linear motion technology alongside Boston Gear gearheads, Huco couplings and Kollmorgen motors and software, enabling FANUC CRX users to deploy the Thomson Movotrak Cobot Transfer Unit (CTU) as a seamless, out-of-the-box, external axis solution. The Movotrak CTU was added to the FANUC Cobot Device network through a
co-developed plug-in interface, unlocking new levels of collaboration between humans and robotic systems. FANUC integrators can now access Thomson configuration tools directly on their teach pendant, simplifying setup, extending cobot reach, leveraging groundbreaking collision detection programming and control, and accelerating 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,” explained Emily Kern, president of Regal Rexnord’s Linear Motion Division. “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.” Kevin Long, EVP and president, Automation & Motion Control segment of
Regal Rexnord, added: “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.” The Thomson Movotrak CTU provides the following benefits:
• Extended operating range: The Movotrak CTU is the first collaborative external linear axis, extending the traditional cobot operating range up to 10m.
• 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 external linear axis solution with collision detection, stopping the external axis and cobot when it encounters an obstacle.
• Increased productivity: Less downtime with easier training and installation featuring an external axis Freedrive mode.
• Single-source, fully integrated solution: Thomson linear units are integrated with other Regal Rexnord robotics solutions, including Boston Gear gearheads, Huco couplings, and Kollmorgen motors and software for a complete, high-level assembly with one part number.
• Robustness and durability: The Thomson external linear axis CTU can support even the largest FANUC cobots, including the CRX30iA, meeting the most demanding requirements for ruggedness and precision.
www.thomsonlinear.com/crx ampere alloys to distribute 6k additive’s metal powders
6K Additive has appointed AMPERE Alloys as an official distributor for the European market, giving manufacturers direct, streamlined access, to the company’s full suite of ultra-high-quality, sustainably produced metal powders, including titanium, nickel-based superalloys, and refractory metals. The collaboration aligns 6K Additive’s premium materials with AMPERE Alloys’ rigorous quality standards, including their ISO 9001:2015
certification for quality system management and AEO (Authorised Economic Operator) status. European manufacturers are demanding higher- performing materials that don’t compromise environmental goals, and 6K Additive’s product portfolio satisfies both requirements. 6K Additive produces its metal powders using the proprietary UniMelt microwave plasma production system. This allows the company to upcycle
industrial and defence-related scrap metal into high-performance, spherical powders, drastically lowering energy consumption and carbon emissions while at the same time producing industry leading quality with its materials. “Expanding our footprint into Europe requires a partner that shares our uncompromising dedication to quality, regulatory compliance, and
customer satisfaction,” said Frank Roberts, CEO of 6K Additive. “AMPERE Alloys is the ideal partner to champion our sustainable metal powders in Europe. Their established logistical network and technical expertise will ensure that aerospace, defence, medical and energy customers across the continent can rapidly integrate our premium materials into their production workflows.”
6Kadditive.com addition of weg plcs strengthens technidrive’s automation offering
WEG’s programmable logic controllers (PLCs), including the PLC500 series, are now available from Technidrive. By bringing drives, motors, gearboxes, control equipment and PLCs together under one manufacturer, Technidrive can deliver complete, end-to-end systems, that reduce integration complexity while improving visibility, connectivity and support. According to the company, the move is particularly
valuable for applications where equipment performance must be monitored continuously, but reliable internet access cannot be guaranteed. This includes remote or mobile assets such as marine systems, where data must be captured locally and synchronised later so operators can retain a complete record of asset condition. “The ability to bring everything together under one
manufacturer is a major advantage,” explained David Strain, technical director at Technidrive. “Knowing the PLC has been tested alongside the drives, motors and control gear gives us confidence in system performance and reliability, while also helping to ensure smooth integration,
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faster installation and simpler support for our customers.” This approach has already been applied in a marine data acquisition project, where the customer needed a reliable way to monitor onboard assets despite inconsistent connectivity at sea. Technidrive deployed the PLC500 to track temperature, humidity and pressure across large vessels, storing data locally and syncing it when a connection is available. This allows the customer to retain a full record of asset conditions, so engineers can later identify environmental issues, check for pressure drops, spot early signs of deterioration and plan maintenance before faults cause failure or downtime. A key benefit of the PLC500 in this application is its remote
connectivity. For vessels operating across different regions, internet access can be inconsistent or restricted. By storing information locally and uploading it once a connection becomes available, the PLC500 enables operators to maintain a reliable record of system performance over time.
www.technidrive.co.uk July/august 2026 DesiGn sOLUtiOns 1971-2026 7
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