Automate 2025: Güdel Introduces CoboMover linear track for cobots, small industrial robots

From moving cobots to novel mobility offerings, Güdel Inc. is highlighting two new technologies at Automate 2025 in Detroit.

The company will host visitors in Booth #2418 which it said will demonstrate Güdel’s unmatched ability to solve automation engineering challenges.

Automate 2025 is May 12-15 in Detroit’s Huntington Place.

Linear track for cobots

First, Güdel will unveil the Cobomover, a 7th-axis linear track purpose-built for collaborative and lightweight robots. Designed and manufactured in Switzerland, Güdel said the Cobomover extends the working range of robots up to 5 meters (16.4ft), allowing them to operate multiple workstations and perform several different tasks without manual repositioning.

“The Cobomover is more than just another linear axis - it’s a game changer,” said Brenda Courim, head of sales for Güdel Inc. “It’s designed to help integrators and end users get the most out of their cobot and lightweight robot investments, with the same quality, repeatability, and ease of use to which Güdel’s customers have become accustomed.”

The CoboMover is compatible with over 60 cobots and small traditional robots. It offers mounting positions at 0° and 180°. The maximum payload, including robot weight, is 78 kg (172 lbs). Its drive system utilizes a toothed belt and Güdel’s HPG045 angular gearbox. Available stroke lengths include 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000 and 5000 mm. The CoboMover has a maximum speed of 2 m/s and a maximum acceleration of 2 m/s², providing a repeatability of ± 0.05 mm.

More track systems from Güdel

With its background in track systems, heavy-payload gantries and high-precision motion components, Güdel said it’s looking to continue expanding its footprint by helping automation integrators solve real-world challenges.

A recent example of this that will also be showcased at Automate, is a modular track system fitted with air bearings. Using five psi, the air-bearing offering can levitate the TMF-4B track - weighing 3,800 lbs - half an inch above ground, enabling it to easily “float” into and out of position on a cushion of air. The system was initially developed for aircraft painting applications, eliminating the need for cranes, high-payload forklifts or embedded rails.

Güdel said this system solves two major constraints: mobility within large workspaces and facility layout limitations.

“This was an application-specific solution,” said Mike Peek, marketing manager at Güdel Inc. Peek explained how an integrator came to Güdel with a challenge: move a precision paint robot in and out of place without installing embedded tracks in the floor.

“Our engineering team delivered a new product that allows the entire track to be moved into and out of the work cell when needed,” Peek said. “We look forward to showing these innovations to the Automate audience and discuss how our engineering team can help attendees with their next automation breakthrough.”