Güdel, a supplier known for its linear motion modules, robot track motion units, and gantry robots, has introduced a new collaborative robot solution called the CoboMover. The company positions this product as a way to broaden the scope of applications for both collaborative robots and lightweight robot systems. According to the company, the CoboMover is engineered to deliver the same reliability, repeatability, and ease of use that its global customer base has come to expect from its other product lines.
The announcement was made by Brenda Courim, head of sales at Güdel Inc., who stated that the CoboMover is designed to help integrators and end users expand the range of cobot and lightweight robot applications. Courim emphasized that the product maintains the standards of performance that Güdel’s customers are accustomed to, suggesting that the company is aiming to leverage its existing reputation in heavy-duty automation to appeal to a broader segment of the market that is increasingly looking at collaborative robotics.
This launch comes at a time when the robotics industry is seeing a growing interest in collaborative applications, particularly for tasks that are considered dull, dirty, or dangerous. Güdel’s move into this space appears to be a strategic effort to combine its expertise in motion systems with the flexibility of collaborative robots, offering a solution that can handle a wider range of payloads and tasks than typical cobot offerings.
The company also indicated that it will be showcasing this technology at major industry events, including FabTech and Automate 2026. At these events, Güdel plans to demonstrate how the CoboMover and related systems can overcome the limitations of traditional fixed-robot cells, particularly in heavy-duty grinding applications. The demonstrations are expected to highlight the addition of vertical and floor-mounted motion to these processes, which the company says can significantly expand the reach and capability of robotic systems.
Product and availability details
The CoboMover is designed to support a capacity of up to 78 kg, which positions it as a solution for applications that require more payload than typical small cobots but still benefit from collaborative operation. This capacity range suggests that the CoboMover is intended for tasks that involve heavier tools or workpieces, such as grinding, sanding, or material handling, where a standard cobot might not have sufficient strength.
At the other end of the spectrum, Güdel also highlighted its TMF-6 track system, which is designed for much heavier industrial applications. The TMF-6 track can handle up to 22,000 kg, which is equivalent to approximately 48,501.6 lb. This track system is specifically designed to accommodate the FANUC M2000iA/2300, which the company describes as the largest industrial robot currently on the market. The TMF-6 track offers a repeatability of +/- 0.05mm, which is a critical specification for precision applications in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and heavy industrial manufacturing.
The company’s product portfolio spans a wide range of industries, including automotive, aerospace, logistics, heavy industrial, press automation, and power generation. Güdel supplies linear motion modules, robot track motion units, and gantry robots, as well as components for these various sectors. The company says it supports all major traditional and collaborative robot brands, which is an important consideration for integrators who may be working with a variety of robot manufacturers.
The CoboMover is part of Güdel’s effort to expand its range of solutions beyond its traditional heavy-payload gantries and robot track systems. By offering a solution that bridges the gap between lightweight cobots and heavy industrial robots, the company appears to be targeting automation integrators who need to solve real-world challenges that require a combination of reach, payload, and precision.
While the company has announced the CoboMover and its specifications, it has not disclosed specific pricing or general availability dates. The product is expected to be featured at upcoming trade shows, including FabTech and Automate 2026, where attendees will have the opportunity to see the technology in action. At Automate 2026, which is scheduled to take place at Chicago’s McCormick Place, Güdel will be at Booth 1806, where it plans to demonstrate a grinding application that showcases the capabilities of its motion systems combined with FANUC robots.
The company has not provided details on lead times, spare part availability, or specific service level agreements for the CoboMover. Interested buyers and integrators are likely to get more information at the trade shows or by contacting Güdel directly. The company’s focus on supporting all major robot brands suggests that the CoboMover is designed to be a flexible solution that can be integrated into existing automation setups, but specific compatibility details beyond the payload capacity have not been fully disclosed in the announcement.
What it means for buyers
For automation integrators and end users, the introduction of the CoboMover represents a potential expansion of what is possible with collaborative robot technology. The 78 kg payload capacity is notably higher than many standard cobots on the market, which typically max out at lower payloads. This could open up new application areas where the safety and flexibility of collaborative robots are desired, but where the payload requirements have previously made such solutions impractical.
The emphasis on reliability, repeatability, and ease of use is particularly relevant for buyers who are considering moving from traditional industrial robots to collaborative systems. Güdel’s reputation in the industry, built on its heavy-duty gantries and robot track systems, may provide a level of confidence for buyers who are concerned about the performance of lighter-duty collaborative systems. The company’s track record in supplying components to demanding industries such as aerospace and power generation suggests that it understands the requirements for precision and durability.
For buyers looking at heavy-duty applications, the TMF-6 track system with its 22,000 kg capacity and +/- 0.05mm repeatability is a significant offering. The ability to handle the FANUC M2000iA/2300, the largest industrial robot on the market, means that this track system is designed for the most demanding applications. This could be relevant for industries that need to move very heavy workpieces or tools over large distances with high precision, such as in large-scale manufacturing or assembly operations.
The demonstrations planned for Automate 2026 are expected to focus on grinding and surface finishing of fabricated parts, which the company identifies as classic dull, dirty, or dangerous applications that are well-suited for robot automation. By adding vertical and floor-mounted motion to these applications, Güdel aims to overcome the limitations of traditional fixed-robot cells. This is particularly relevant for large, difficult-to-reach parts, where a fixed robot might not have the reach or flexibility to perform the required operations.
Courim noted that expanding the robot’s workspace is not just a helpful addition but is the factor that finally makes automation feasible for large, difficult-to-reach parts. This statement underscores the company’s view that the combination of robot performance with additional motion axes can unlock automation opportunities that were previously not viable. By combining FANUC’s robot performance with Güdel’s vertical and floor-mounted motion, customers gain the reach, stability, and process consistency needed to automate large, demanding grinding applications.
For buyers, this means that the CoboMover and related systems could offer a path to automating processes that have traditionally been manual or have required custom automation solutions. The ability to add motion to a robot system, whether vertical or floor-mounted, can significantly expand the effective workspace of the robot, making it possible to handle larger parts or to perform operations that require the robot to move along a track.
The company’s support for all major traditional and collaborative robot brands is another factor that could be important for buyers. This suggests that the CoboMover and TMF-6 track are not tied to a specific robot manufacturer, giving integrators the flexibility to choose the robot that best fits their application. This is in contrast to some solutions that are proprietary to a single robot brand.
However, there are some details that have not been disclosed in the announcement. Specific pricing for the CoboMover has not been provided, and the company has not given a firm release date beyond indicating that the product will be showcased at upcoming trade shows. Buyers who are considering the CoboMover will likely need to contact Güdel directly for more detailed information on pricing, lead times, and specific application support.
Additionally, while the company has highlighted the payload capacity and repeatability specifications, it has not provided detailed information on the CoboMover’s reach, speed, or other performance characteristics. These details would be important for buyers who are evaluating the product for specific applications. The company has also not disclosed whether the CoboMover is a standalone product or if it is designed to be used with Güdel’s track systems or other motion modules.
For buyers in the European market, Güdel’s established presence and reputation in the industry may be a factor in their decision-making process. The company’s focus on supporting all major robot brands, combined with its experience in heavy industrial applications, positions the CoboMover as a potential solution for a wide range of automation challenges.
The demonstrations at FabTech and Automate 2026 will provide an opportunity for buyers to see the technology in action and to evaluate whether it meets their specific requirements. The grinding application that Güdel plans to demonstrate is a common industrial process, and the company’s approach to adding motion to this application could be of interest to many manufacturers who are looking to automate similar processes.
Overall, the introduction of the CoboMover represents a continued trend in the robotics industry toward more flexible and collaborative solutions that can handle a wider range of tasks. For buyers, the key considerations will be whether the payload capacity, precision, and flexibility of the system meet their application needs, and whether the company’s support and service offerings align with their expectations. As with any new product, buyers will need to evaluate the CoboMover in the context of their specific requirements and to gather additional information from the company before making a purchasing decision.
The company’s presence at major trade shows and its stated commitment to supporting all major robot brands suggest that it is serious about expanding its footprint in the collaborative robot market. For integrators, this could mean new options for solving complex automation challenges that require a combination of reach, payload, and precision.
- ## Sources
Published by Vigla Media OÜ (Estonia).