Large industrial robots often operate near their payload limits, resulting in reduced cycle efficiency, lower positioning accuracy, and costly downtime when upgrades are required. Retrofitting existing robots to boost capacity or precision typically involves extensive re‑engineering and prolonged production stops. 7x delivers plug‑and‑play Robot Transfer Units (RTUs) that mechanically and electronically augment existing robotic arms.
Funding
Funding not disclosed
Founders
Product
Problem
Large industrial robots often operate near their payload limits, resulting in reduced cycle efficiency, lower positioning accuracy, and costly downtime when upgrades are required. Retrofitting existing robots to boost capacity or precision typically involves extensive re‑engineering and prolonged production stops.
Solution
7x delivers plug‑and‑play Robot Transfer Units (RTUs) that mechanically and electronically augment existing robotic arms. The RTU’s modular gearbox and integrated servo drives raise payload capacity while the high‑resolution encoder suite refines motion repeatability. A unified control interface maps to common fieldbus standards (EtherCAT, PROFINET, OPC UA), enabling rapid deployment with minimal re‑programming. Real‑time load‑sensing and adaptive motion planning reduce cycle times and improve overall equipment effectiveness. Optional engineering services provide custom mounting kits and software integration for specific robot models, ensuring a seamless retrofit without major production interruptions.
Target Audience
Primary customers are manufacturers in heavy‑industry sectors (automotive, aerospace, metal fabrication) and system integrators who need to extend the capabilities of existing large‑scale industrial robots.
Features
- Modular mechanical interface with quick‑change mounting plates compatible with major robot brands (ABB, KUKA, FANUC, Yaskawa)
- High‑torque planetary gearbox and integrated servo drives delivering up to 2 × the original robot payload
- Closed‑loop motion control using 32‑bit DSP, high‑resolution encoders, and EtherCAT/PROFINET connectivity for sub‑millimeter accuracy
- Real‑time load‑cell feedback and adaptive trajectory planning to optimize cycle time and energy consumption
- Built‑in safety PLC with IEC 61508 SIL‑2 compliance and emergency‑stop monitoring
- OTA firmware updates and a web‑based diagnostics dashboard for predictive maintenance
- Scalable configuration options (payload, reach, control protocol) delivered as a single, pre‑tested hardware package