RiACT and Phoenix Mecano Jointly Offer XtendR to Give Cobots Greater Reach

RiACT and Phoenix Mecano AB this week announced that they have partnered to create XtendR, a system to give collaborative robots greater flexibility and efficiency.

XtendR integrates a high-grade industrial lifting column from Phoenix Mecano’s X2 Technology brand with any cobot and any gripper, allowing the cobot to extend its reach and access different working heights. RiACT said its RiFLEX software enables users to easily program and control the lifting column and the robot.

”XtendR is a game-changer for cobot applications," stated Bjarne Grossmann, CEO of RiACT. "It gives the user the freedom to choose the best cobot and gripper for their needs, regardless of the brand. It also increases the working range of the cobot, making it possible to perform tasks that would otherwise require multiple cobots or manual intervention."

Phoenix Mechano X2 elevates XtendR

"The XtendR is equipped with lifting columns of our brand X2 Technology, which we consider to be the toughest columns in the market," said Patrik Nilsson, CEO of Phoenix Mecano AB. "They can be customized to fit exactly the needs of a specific application.”

Stein am Rhein, Switzerland-based Phoenix Mecano said it is a leading provider of components and systems for industrial automation. The company said its offerings include high-quality lifting columns that can withstand harsh environments.

”RiACT is the perfect partner for us," Nilsson added. "The RiFLEX software reduces engineering time dramatically and turns programming and setting up of the XtendR into a more or less effortless task. It gives immense flexibility to the user and allows him to actually combine cobots of different brands in the same system, if needed.”

RiACT RiFLEX software, integration to be on display

"XtendR is powered by our RiFLEX software, which simplifies the programming and setup of the cobot system," added RiACT's Grossmann. "RiFLEX has configurable solutions for common applications such as palletizing, machine tending, and pick and place.”

Copenhagen-based RiACT claimed that it has developed "no-code" robotics to make complex technology more accessible to end users. The company said it designed its interface so that users of any level can be safe and more productive.

XtendR will be available in multiple European countries from September onward. The partners said they will show the solution at the Motek automation trade fair for automation from Oct. 11 to 13 in Stuttgart, Germany.