Linear axis with plug-to-program connection saves up to 10,000 euros in development costs-new update for UR and FANUC
Cologne, September 2025-Many companies that want to enlarge the action space of lightweight joint arm robots know the problem: a 7th axis on which a robot can do linearly. However, your integration into robot control requires additional programming effort. The solution of Igus: A 7th axis that quadruples the action room and is as easy to integrate as an app. 500 systems are already in use worldwide. With the help of a new update for UR 20, UR 30 and Fanuc CRX series, more should follow.
Automation can be complicated. Especially when production conditions change. This is shown by the example of a precision mechanics that operates two identical CNC milling machines: Because of the progressive shortage of labor, a joint arm robot has been loading one of the two machines for some time. In order to expand the radius of the robot’s action to the second machine, a motorized axis for horizontal adjustment is to be used. The axis is quickly found, but cannot be connected to the robot control. Therefore, a programmer is busy programming an interface for 1.5 weeks. “We have heard from many companies that the elaborate connection of a 7th axis is currently a Pain-point that makes projects unnecessarily complicated,” says Alexander Mühlens, authorized representative and head of the low-cost automation at IGUS. With the RBTX online platform, its business area would like to reduce complexity in automation in order to relieve the medium -sized business in times of increasing cost prints and to make them more productive. The latest achievement in this way is a linear axis that can be connected to the robot controls of the most common manufacturers such as Epson, Dobot, Igus and Omron in a matter of seconds. The 7th axis is now also compatible with the Universal Robots UR 20 and UR 30 and the Fanuc CRX series. “The first users report that thanks to the plug-to-program principle, they saved up to 10,000 euros in development costs,” explains the robotics expert.
Quadruple radius of action thanks to 7th axis from 2,800 euros
The 7th axis of Igus enables lightweight joint armed robots with a weight of up to 55 kilograms to quadruple your radius of action. The basis is a aluminum linear rail, which is up to 6,000 millimeters long, on which a sled over four sockets made of lubricated high -performance plastic glides – moved by an electric motor with a timing belt drive, which enables a speed of up to 0.6 m/s and a positioning accuracy of ± 0.3 millimeters. On this sled, users can assemble their robot via an adapter kit. Igus also provides suitable energy chains made of high-performance plastic to protect energy and data lines in the movement. “This protection is recommended because around 35 percent of robot failures are due to poor management management,” emphasizes Alexander Mühlens. The axis is available from 2,313 euros, plus another 2,800 euros for control cabinet integration. The low costs are due, among other things, to the use of high -performance plastics.
As easily integrable as an app
The 7th axis of Igus can be integrated via a software plugin directly into the robot control, each adapted to the robot manufacturer. The control automatically recognizes the axis after installation. The user can then program and control them directly via the trusted control panel of the robot. The control takes place flexibly via digital I/OS, via UR Cap or via the Igus Robot Control. In addition, all safety-relevant components such as Not-Aus relays are already taken into account, so that no additional engineering work is required. Alexander Mühlens: “In this way, the expansion of the work space of lightweight joint armed arm robots becomes more uncomplicated than ever.” The 7th axis can be easily interpreted with the help of one Online-Konfigurators. Here the user can select its robot types and the corresponding installation position, enter the length and speed of the application and then receive a price including offer and pattern.
Find out more about the solutions for the 7th axis on the robot at:
7. Axis | Linear axis for all robots
Experience the 7th axis live in action with a manufacturer of chocolate:
“Chocomatic” the automatic chocolate edition
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