The Genk company Cobotracks, specialised in the production of tracks that extend the reach of cobots, has recently attained Techman certification. This makes the sister company of Vansichen Linear Technology the first recognised manufacturer of tracks for the international cobot producer. To gain this certificate, Cobotracks launched a new product: a 7th axis for Techman cobots that significantly expands their working range.
Unique collaboration with Techman
The Taiwanese company Techman robots is one of the lead players in the market. They are the second largest cobot producers worldwide. In Asia they are even the market leader. With TM certification, Cobotracks further expands into the cobot market, strengthening the company’s current position. Cobotracks is the first manufacturer to be recognised by Techman with the label “TM Plug&Play Certified” as a producer of 7th axes. Cobotrack’s products can be perfectly integrated by means of corresponding compatible software. The new product is called ‘Linear Motion Plug & Play’.
The Genk start-up previously accomplished this feat by obtaining a similar certificate (the UR+ label of Universal Robots) for the largest player in the market. However, it was no cut-and-paste job to rapidly integrate Universal Robots’ existing software into the tracks intended for a Techman cobot. In collaboration with the Genk company Plakoni, a new custom-made software was developed within the space of one year.
Cobotracks bv is therefore the first player in the 7th-axis market to be a certified partner of both Universal Robots and Techman.
Greater working range
Cobots are collaborative robots that are known to cooperate with humans (unlike industrial robots). They are accessible in terms of both purchase price and use. This makes cobots interesting for SMEs as well as for large companies where limited serial work can be carried out. Thanks to a 7th axis, the reach of the cobots increases considerably. The lengths (vertical and horizontal) on which the cobot can move can be up to 50 metres.
Innovative support
The innovative collaboration between Cobotracks and Techman was established thanks to the support of POM Limburg. The Provincial Development Agency Limburg has the aim of supporting and accelerating the economy in Limburg. Collaborating companies can apply for a grant to develop innovative technologies, materials, research and processes.
Pieter Vansichen
“Cobotracks is the first builder of 7th axes worldwide to be certified by the two largest cobot producers.”