Robot Transfer Units (RTUs) are linear motion systems that add mobility to industrial robots, effectively giving them a “7th axis” of movement. They allow robots to travel along tracks, extending their operating range, improving efficiency, and enabling one robot to serve multiple workstations.

• Definition: An RTU is a track-mounted actuator system that moves a robot base along a linear axis.

• Purpose: It overcomes the limitation of fixed-position robots by allowing them to cover long distances and interact with multiple stations.

• Analogy: Think of it as putting a robot on rails—suddenly, its reach is not just the arm span but the entire length of the track.

• rack System: Usually steel or aluminum rails, floor-mounted, ceiling-mounted, or integrated into production lines.

• Carriage/Base Plate: The robot is bolted onto this moving platform.

• Drive Mechanism: Options include rack-and-pinion, belt-driven, or ball-screw actuators, powered by servo motors for precision.

• Control Integration: RTUs are synchronized with the robot’s controller, so the linear motion is programmed seamlessly with the robot’s other axes.

• Load Capacity: Heavy-duty RTUs can carry robots weighing up to 1500 kg, with dynamic performance tuned to the robot’s size