• GBR
  • Download area
  • myRollon
  • Search
  • Account
  • About
  • Products
  • Industries
  • News & Media
  • Contacts
Ask Rollon
  • About
    • About us
    • Our Brands
    • The Timken Company
  • Products
    • Linear Components
      • Linear Guides
      • Telescopic Rails
      • Curved guides
    • Actuators and Systems
      • Actuators
      • Multi-axis
      • Robot Transfer Units
      • Circular Systems
    • Ball Screws
      • XT Xtrem Transport
      • XL Xtrem Load
      • XP Xtrem Position
    • Rotational Units
      • Rod Ends
      • Spherical Plain Bearings
      • Needle Roller Bearings
  • Industries
    • Material Handling
    • Healthcare
    • Special Vehicles
    • Building and Furniture
    • Aerospace
    • Packaging
    • Railway
    • Industrial machines
  • News & Media
    • Corporate
    • Events
    • Innovation
    • Media
  • Contacts
    • Contact form
  • GBR
  • Download area
  • myRollon
  • Search
  • Account
Who we are
About Us
About Us
Our Brands
Our Brands
The Timken Company
The Timken Company
Linear Components
Linear Guides
Linear Guides
Telescopic rails
Telescopic rails
Curved guides
Curved guides
Actuators and Systems
Actuators
Actuators
Multi-axis
Multi-axis
Robot Transfer Units
Robot Transfer Units
Circular Systems
Circular Systems
Ball Screws
XP Xtrem Position
XP Xtrem Position
XL Xtrem Load
XL Xtrem Load
Rollon RB
Rollon RB
XT Xtrem Transport
XT Xtrem Transport
Rotational Units
Rod Ends
Rod Ends
Spherical Plain Bearings
Spherical Plain Bearings
Needle Roller Bearings
Needle Roller Bearings
The industries we serve
Material Handling
Material Handling
Electronics
Electronics
Machine tool
Machine tool
Industrial machines
Industrial machines
Railway
Railway
Food & Beverage
Food & Beverage
Packaging
Packaging
Aerospace
Aerospace
Building and Furniture
Building and Furniture
Special Vehicles
Special Vehicles
Robotics & Automation
Robotics & Automation
Healthcare
Healthcare
Latest update
Thursday 26 June 2025
Corporate & Events
Rollon Corp. celebrates 50 years and future growth with opening of new Michigan facility
13 June 2025
Rollon Corp. celebrates 50 years and future growth with opening of new Michigan facility
Rollon to exhibit RSN and AMTS 2025
11 June 2025
Rollon to exhibit RSN and AMTS 2025
Rollon to attend Automatica 2025
19 May 2025
Rollon to attend Automatica 2025
Read all
Innovation
myRollon introduces new Configurator,  integrates rod ends product range
28 May 2025
myRollon introduces new Configurator, integrates rod ends product range
Rollon expands TH actuator range with new size 200
12 May 2025
Rollon expands TH actuator range with new size 200
Rollon launches new Cobot Transfer Unit (CTU) for enhanced performance and seamless integration
24 March 2025
Rollon launches new Cobot Transfer Unit (CTU) for enhanced performance and seamless integration
Read all
Media
How to choose a rod end: A technical guide for design engineers
26 June 2025
How to choose a rod end: A technical guide for design engineers
Case study: How Rollon’s Compact Rail enhanced visibility on maintenance locomotive
25 June 2025
Case study: How Rollon’s Compact Rail enhanced visibility on maintenance locomotive
The critical role of linear motion solutions in industrial machinery
11 June 2025
The critical role of linear motion solutions in industrial machinery
Read all
Need to contact us?
Contacts
Contacts
Educationals

Industrial robotic arm with Rollon RTU

In modern industry, automation is essential for enhancing productivity, efficiency, and process precision. The industrial robotic arm is a vital tool in various applications, from material handling to welding, assembly, and logistics. However, traditional six-axis industrial robots face limitations in reach and flexibility, as their movement is confined to a fixed area. 

To overcome these limitations, Rollon has developed a system that provides a seventh axis of movement, allowing robotic arms to travel along a linear unit. 

Why does a robotic arm need a seventh axis?

Adding a seventh axis, essentially a linear translation unit, extends the robot’s operational range, enabling it to cover multiple work areas or move between different stations without requiring additional robotic units. This linear component, mounted on a guide, allows the robotic arm to glide along a track, transforming it into a more dynamic and versatile system. 

This expanded mobility is particularly advantageous in large-scale production environments, where the robot must perform repetitive tasks at multiple points along the line. Adding a seventh axis turns an industrial robotic arm into an even more versatile machine, capable of covering large work areas with smooth, precise movements, thereby boosting productivity and reducing operating costs. 

How do Rollon’s seventh-axis work?

Rollon’s RTUs are designed to provide a seventh beam to industrial robotic arms, allowing them to move along a track and thus extending their range of motion. These RTUs are designed for high-load anthropomorphic robots, offering a highly customisable solution for advanced industrial applications. The system is based on a carriage on which the robot is mounted, driven by a rack and pinion, and guided by recirculating ball guides, rollers or bearings. A highly efficient solution offering smooth, precise and vibration-free movements, even under high loads, over long distances, and in the harshest environments.  

A further advantage of Rollon’s Robot Transfer Unit system is that, being driven by a Rack and pinion, there is the possibility of potentially infinite Strokes thanks to the jointed and self-centring inserts. This means that it is potentially possible to connect several six-axis robots on a single seventh beam, allowing them to operate independently. In this way, a single system can handle multiple operations simultaneously, increasing productivity and optimising the use of space in automated production lines. 

Steel RTU

Industrial applications: where are robotic arms with a seventh axis used?

Regardless of the size or weight of the industrial robotic arm, each Rollon model is designed to meet specific needs, adapting to different types of robots: 

  • RTU Open Belt: robot transfer unit with aluminium body and belt drive for small industrial robots. The carriage slides on two parallel linear guides with four self-lubricated recirculating ball guides, positioned to support the carriage and all loads and load moments. 
  • RTU Sealed Belt : robot transfer unit suitable for dirty environments, with aluminium body and driving belt for small industrial robots. Equipped with a polyurethane sealing strip to protect all internal components from dust, contaminants and other foreign objects. 
  • RTU Rack & Pinion: robot transfer unit with aluminium body, Rack and pinion drive for robots up to 1500 kg. The robot transfer unit consists of one or two self-supporting profiles made of extruded aluminium AL 6060 T6 joined together by means of rigid crossbars. 
  • RTUn: Uncovered robot transfer unit with steel body and Rack and pinion transmission. Available for small and large industrial robots. Available with recirculating roller guides or Tapered roller bearing guides for the most demanding environments and to compensate for surface misalignment errors. 

In addition to the variety of models, Rollon’s seventh axis offer flexible mounting options, being able to be installed on the floor, wall or upside down on the ceiling, with mounting holders and levelling feet ensuring safe installation. For applications where operators must walk on the beam, Rollon provides a diamond plate cover, reducing the risk of tripping. Each system can be customised with Cable carriers, Proximity switches and rubber decelerators, offering seamless integration into the most advanced industrial applications. 

FAQs

What is the difference between a robot arm and a Cobot?

A robot arm is an automated, programmable device designed for industrial tasks, while a cobot (collaborative robot) works alongside humans safely without protective barriers.

What are the types of robotic arm designs?

The main types of robotic arm designs include articulated, cartesian, cylindrical, SCARA, delta, and polar configurations, each suited for specific tasks and environments.

Related product line

Select the product line and start selecting

RTU - Rack & PinionRTU - Sealed BeltRTU - Open Belt

RTU

3
Belt and rack and pinion driven shuttle system for moving with high dynamics every model of robot, from the smallest cobot, to the largest robot.
Steel RTU

RTU (Steel)

1
Rack and pinion driven shuttle system for moving large robots and heavy loads. The highly engineered bases from steel allows for optimal high stiffness and load capacity.

Solutions by Industries

  • All
  • Robotics & Automation
  • Industrial Machines
  • Railway
  • Packaging and Logistics
  • Aerospace
  • Building and Furniture
  • Special Vehicles
  • Medical
  • Electronics
  • Machine Tool
  • Food & Beverage
How to Case study: How Rollon’s Compact Rail enhanced visibility on maintenance locomotive
Case Study Case study: How Rollon’s Compact Rail enhanced visibility on maintenance locomotive
White paper The critical role of linear motion solutions in industrial machinery
White paper Linear motion in robotics and automation: Overview and trends
Tech Talks Cleanroom-ready linear motion, engineered for precision
Case Study Enabling mobility through engineering: A custom linear motion solution for a Paralympic athlete's vehicle
How to Case study: How Rollon’s Compact Rail enhanced visibility on maintenance locomotive
White paper Linear motion in robotics and automation: Overview and trends
Case Study Midwest Engineered Systems (MWES) and Rollon: Advancing automation in heavy-duty material handling
White paper Applications for industrial grade telescopic rails
Case Study Automating a production line for the transport and machining of electrical wires
Case Study CNC Solutions and Rollon: Advancing robotic automation for heavy-duty applications
How to Case study: How Rollon’s Compact Rail enhanced visibility on maintenance locomotive
White paper The critical role of linear motion solutions in industrial machinery
White paper Applications for industrial grade telescopic rails
White paper Differences between ball screws for heavy equipment, automation, and machine tools
Case Study Turn-Key Solutions and Rollon: Engineering a robotic solution for an automated storage system
Report Monorail linear guide for high-load applications
How to Case study: How Rollon’s Compact Rail enhanced visibility on maintenance locomotive
Case Study Case study: How Rollon’s Compact Rail enhanced visibility on maintenance locomotive
Podcast A Deep Dive Into The History Of Linear Bearings
Application Special Movements
Application Seat adjustment, sliding table
Application Battery box extraction
How to Case study: How Rollon’s Compact Rail enhanced visibility on maintenance locomotive
White paper Linear motion in robotics and automation: Overview and trends
Case Study Case study: Rod ends for automatic packaging machines
Case Study Rollon helps AMP Automation to automate the palletizing process for a pet supplies company
Case Study Rod ends for material handling: challenges, advantages and solutions
White paper CONTAMINANT ISSUES ARE AFFECTING MY BEVERAGE INDUSTRY AUTOMATION: WHAT CAN I DO?
How to Case study: How Rollon’s Compact Rail enhanced visibility on maintenance locomotive
Application SFC and Business Class seat
White paper White Paper: Preventing corrosion with stainless-steel and other motion components
White paper White Paper: linear and curvilinear guides and systems for architectural and furnishing applications
Application Vertical sliding foot guard
Application Linear Motion Systems for Sliding Window Applications
Application Sliding pool cover
Application Wall aquarium slide out
Case Study Enabling mobility through engineering: A custom linear motion solution for a Paralympic athlete's vehicle
White paper White Paper: Preventing corrosion with stainless-steel and other motion components
Case Study Case study: Rod ends for agricultural machines
Application Display slide out
Application Interior drawers
Application Opening door system
White paper Linear motion in robotics and automation: Overview and trends
Tech Talks Cleanroom-ready linear motion, engineered for precision
White paper Differences between ball screws for heavy equipment, automation, and machine tools
White paper Choosing linear motion components for medical equipment
White paper White Paper: Preventing corrosion with stainless-steel and other motion components
Application Linear movement in the pharmaceutical and medical industry: the seventh axis for clean rooms
Tech Talks Cleanroom-ready linear motion, engineered for precision
Case Study High-tech distributor taps Rollon for electronics machine
White paper Applications for industrial grade telescopic rails
Case Study CNC Solutions and Rollon: Advancing robotic automation for heavy-duty applications
White paper Differences between ball screws for heavy equipment, automation, and machine tools
Report Monorail linear guide for high-load applications
White paper White Paper: Preventing corrosion with stainless-steel and other motion components
MiniRoller Rail and ELM: Rollon’s answers to the Meat processing industry
Case Study How Rollon helped a food company handle leavened doughs safely and effectively
White paper CONTAMINANT ISSUES ARE AFFECTING MY BEVERAGE INDUSTRY AUTOMATION: WHAT CAN I DO?

Ask Rollon

  • About
    • About us
    • Our Brands
    • The Timken Company
  • Products
    • Linear Components
      • Linear Guides
      • Telescopic Rails
      • Curved guides
    • Actuators and Systems
      • Actuators
      • Multi-axis
      • Robot Transfer Units
      • Circular Systems
  • Custom Menu
    • Ball Screws
      • XT Xtrem Transport
      • XL Xtrem Load
      • XP Xtrem Position
    • Rotational Units
      • Rod Ends
      • Spherical Plain Bearings
      • Needle Roller Bearings
  • Industries
    • Material Handling
    • Healthcare
    • Special Vehicles
    • Building and Furniture
    • Aerospace
    • Packaging
    • Railway
    • Industrial machines
  • News & Media
    • News
    • Events
    • Media
    • Educationals
  • Contacts
    • Contacts
    • Follow us on
      • LinkedIn
      • YouTube
Rollon
Nadella
Shuton Ipiranga
Durbal
Chiavette Unificate
Rosa Sistemi
© Rollon S.r.l. Via Trieste 26 20871 Vimercate (MB) C. Fiscale e P. Iva 05999150963 CAP. Sociale € 11.365.026,00 REA MB-1857623
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookies Policy
  • Quality Policy
  • General Terms of Sale
  • General conditions of assistance, maintenance and repair
  • General Terms and Conditions of Purchase
  • Code of Conduct
  • Credits
  • Certifications
TIMKEN

Select your country

Europe

cz-flagČesko fr-flagFrance de-flagDeutschland it-flagItalia nl-flagNederland pl-flagPolska pt-flagPortugal es-flagEspaña gb-flagUnited Kingdom sv-flagSweden/Nordics

Asia

cn-flag中国 in-flagIndia jp-flag日本 kr-flag한국 tr-flagTürkiye

America

br-flagBrasil us-flagUnited States

Ask Rollon

Our Experts can solve your challenges