Automation with 7th Axes for Robots
7th axes – also known as linear axes, robot slides, or external linear motion units – significantly extend the reach and working area of industrial robots and Cobots. On the RBTX marketplace, companies of all sizes can find linear axes for lightweight robots, heavy‑duty linear modules, gantry axes, and robot linear tracks for long travel paths, precise positioning, and flexible automation. SMEs especially benefit from simple integration and highly scalable robotic workflows.
The Benefits of 7th Axes & Linear Tracks for Robots
A 7th axis enables a robot to cover long distances while maintaining high precision. Linear axes support material flow automation, improve cycle times, and allow robots to work beyond their native reach. Typical advantages include increased flexibility, extended working range, optimized machine interlinking, improved throughput, and more efficient use of existing robotic capacity.
What Are 7th Axes and How Do They Work?
7th axes are motor‑driven linear units on which a robot is mounted and moved along a defined path. They include a rigid axis profile, linear guides, drive motor, controller, and cable management. The axis moves the robot precisely along a horizontal, vertical, or gantry‑style direction. Modern 7th axes can be synchronized with industrial robot controllers or external motion controllers, supporting cobots, industrial robots, and mobile manipulation systems.
How to Start Implementing a 7th Axis
Begin by analyzing which tasks lie outside the robot’s standard working envelope: machine tending, welding along long seams, material feeding, palletizing, or linear production flows. With the RBTX Configurator, you can quickly find the right 7th‑axis system including motor, controller, mounting kits, cable guides, and accessories. This ensures full compatibility and rapid deployment within your automation environment.
What to Consider When Buying a 7th Axis
Key factors include payload, speed, precision, maximum travel length, repeatability, drive type (belt, screw, linear guide), controller integration, and mechanical stiffness. Safety considerations such as covers, end stops, and emergency‑stop integration are essential. For cobots, plug‑and‑play adapters and preconfigured software modules simplify setup and ensure smooth operation.
Deploying 7th Axes Successfully – Without Focusing on Price
RBTX focuses on functionality, integration, scalability, and performance rather than pricing. The feasibility check is paid and provides a detailed evaluation of your application, including axis selection, motor sizing, safety concepts, and integration guidance—ideal for planning scalable linear motion automation.
Why Choose RBTX?
RBTX is your partner for 7th axes, linear motion units, and robotic extension systems. Purchase directly from manufacturers, receive expert consulting, and benefit from a configurator, CE‑compliant solutions, and rapid integration. Discover linear axes, 7th axes, and modular robot tracks—flexible, efficient, and future‑ready with RBTX.