The use of industrial robots is no longer a competitive advantage on its own, but rather a basic requirement in modern manufacturing. The real difference lies in how flexible a robotic investment is, how efficiently it can be utilized, and how quickly it delivers return on investment. These factors are not determined solely by the type of robot, but also by the system in which it operates.
Most industrial and collaborative robots operate with six axes, which is sufficient for many applications. However, in certain production environments this configuration quickly reaches its limits. This is where the concept of expanding the robotic workspace becomes relevant – and with it the role of the 7th axis.
A conventional, fixed-position robot can only serve a predefined workspace. When the production process involves multiple workstations arranged next to each other, the robot may not be able to reach all of them, or it can do so only with significant compromises.
In practice, this often leads to several challenges:
In many cases, the bottleneck is not the robot’s performance but the fact that it cannot cover a sufficiently large working area.
A 7th axis, also known as a Robot Transfer Unit, is a linear motion system on which the entire robot moves. Instead of only extending the robot’s reach, it effectively adds a new dimension to the system.
A robot equipped with a 7th axis can:
This approach is particularly effective when the goal is not to install additional robots, but to maximize the utilization of existing robotic systems.
Thomson’s 7th Axis solutions are more than simple linear rails. The Robot Transfer Unit is a complete mechatronic system specifically designed for industrial and collaborative robots.
The system offers several advantages:
As a result, Thomson solutions can be implemented not only in new robotic installations but also when expanding existing production cells.
While several seventh-axis solutions exist on the market, the key difference lies in the system design and industrial robustness.
One of the most important advantages is the high level of operational safety. Modern collaborative robots are equipped with advanced sensors and force/torque monitoring systems that continuously monitor both robot movement and its surroundings. If human proximity is detected or unexpected resistance occurs during movement, the control system reacts immediately. The robot slows down and, if necessary, stops before a collision can occur. This real-time response significantly reduces the risk of accidents and allows the robot to operate safely alongside human operators.
Key strengths of the Thomson Robot Transfer Unit include:
These advantages become particularly important in applications where a robot is involved in several production steps.
Robotic systems expanded with a 7th axis deliver several practical benefits:
This makes the solution attractive not only for new installations but also for automation upgrades and production expansion projects.
Expanding a robotic workspace does not necessarily require additional robots or more complex systems. A properly selected 7th axis allows manufacturers to get more out of their existing robots, improving utilization while accelerating return on investment.
For companies aiming to build more flexible and scalable robotic systems, the Thomson Robot Transfer Unit, combined with the system integration expertise of BIBUS Kft., provides a reliable and future-proof solution.
BIBUS Kft. approaches Thomson 7th Axis solutions not as standalone products but as part of a complete robotic and mechatronic system. By combining linear motion technology, servo drives and control solutions, the company ensures that the seventh axis is optimally integrated into the entire application.
