Enhance Your Low-Cost Robot Platforms with New 7th-Axis Hardware and Free Digital-Twin Programming Software

A new linear seventh axis, free downloadable control software, and a fresh line of modular components are now available for igus’s Low‑Cost Automation platform (see the February Close‑Up on robots at K 2019). The company’s four‑ and five‑axis RoBOLINK DP articulated‑arm robots already feature a sixth rotational axis. With the addition of a modular linear seventh axis—horizontal or vertical—customers can quadruple the robot’s working envelope. The new axis employs igus’s drylin linear guides and is compatible with other brands such as Universal Robots.

Download free lead‑through programming software that lets you create a “digital twin” of your robot on‑screen.

Igus has also launched an intuitive, free-to‑download programming suite that supports the entire robot line—including articulated arms, delta, and linear models. The software allows users to perform “lead‑through teach” sessions on a virtual robot displayed on a computer or touchscreen. Operators manually guide the simulated robot to desired positions, define virtual safety zones to prevent collisions, and then transfer the program to a physical unit. The tool can interface with higher‑level control systems via digital I/O or Ethernet using an IP address, embodying igus’s “try‑before‑you‑buy” philosophy.

Complementing the hardware upgrades, igus has unveiled the RBTX online platform—a comprehensive catalog of compatible modular components from a range of suppliers. Current offerings include grippers/end effectors, vision systems, pneumatics, control hardware and software, and auxiliaries. Products are sourced from igus and five partners, with an additional ten partners expected to join this year, adding 70‑80 new items to the catalog.