Built-to-order linear motion systems
Extend a robot’s working range across machines, stations or long workpieces. EVST designs ground, sky and truss robot tracks for your robot, travel, load, duty cycle, environment and site conditions.
What it is
A robot track is a powered linear axis that carries an industrial robot between work positions. Also called a 7th axis Robot Transfer Unit, it expands the robot’s working envelope so one robot can serve long parts, multiple machines or separated process stations. Floor-mounted versions are also known as a ground rail or floor rail.
Product family
The track structure is selected based on available floor space, workpiece access, robot orientation and the process path. Ground, sky and truss systems are engineered for the robot, installed mass and project conditions.
Ground rail
A practical layout for moving a robot alongside machines, fixtures or long workpieces. Base construction, travel and protection are specified for the project.
Choose it when: accessible floor-level service and a direct path beside machines are priorities.
Sky rail
Moves the robot above the work area to preserve floor access or approach a process from an elevated orientation. Structure and interfaces are engineered for the cell.
Choose it when: freeing floor space or approaching the process from above matters.
Truss rail
A portal-style structure for larger work envelopes and application-specific motion arrangements. Span, axes, interfaces and structural details are engineered per project.
Choose it when: one ground axis cannot cover the required span or coordinated motion in more than one linear axis.
Selection process
A useful enquiry does not need a finished specification. Start with the operating requirement and available site information; the track can then be sized for the installed mass.
Describe the process, part size, stations and how the robot needs to approach the work.
Provide the robot make/model, robot body mass, riser or fixtures mounted on the carriage, and wrist payload.
State the required effective travel or share a cell layout so end clearances and robot-base length can be considered.
Share the target speed, repeatability, duty cycle, stops and any required coordination with the robot controller.
Choose an initial ground, elevated, inverted or truss concept based on access and process geometry.
Identify dust, spatter, liquid, temperature and cleaning conditions that affect enclosure and material choices.
Provide foundation conditions, utilities, available space, safety interfaces and delivery constraints.
Structure and protection
EVST can configure welded or cast structural approaches and match the external protection to the workcell. The final choice depends on the moving mass, span, process conditions and maintenance needs.
Fabricated around the required length, interfaces and load case.
Available where the engineering configuration calls for cast structural components.
Applications
Robot tracks are used when the process is longer than the robot’s fixed-base working envelope or when one robot needs to serve separated work positions.
Serve a row of machine tools from a shared linear path.
Reach long structures, multiple fixtures or separated weld stations.
Transfer parts between process positions across an extended cell.
Cover multiple pick and place positions with one moving robot base.
Move along tall or extended surfaces in an enclosed process area.
Travel between storage or process bays in a battery production line.
Coordinate a robot with several machines where cycle planning allows.
Use ground, elevated or truss layouts to access larger work envelopes.
Heavy-duty custom project
EVST has built a custom gantry rail for a 10-ton handling application. This is a project example, not a standard product rating or a promise that the same layout fits another application.
Why EVST
Robot, load and layout inputs are translated into drive sizing, structural configuration and integration requirements before the final design is released.
Checks at key production stages cover hole position, flatness and no-load running condition so issues can be identified before delivery.
Multiple machining resources support dimensional control for mounting holes, locating surfaces and track-module interfaces.
Structural components undergo annealing to reduce residual stress and support long-term dimensional stability.
Frequently asked questions
A robot track is a powered linear axis that moves the robot base between work positions. It extends the robot’s working envelope and can let one robot serve a longer process path or multiple stations.
Start with the process geometry and site constraints. Ground tracks are accessible and direct; sky tracks preserve floor access or support elevated orientations; truss systems cover larger, application-specific work envelopes. EVST confirms the structure after reviewing the cell layout.
No. Rated carriage load applies to the moving platform and includes the robot body. Wrist payload is the load handled at the robot flange. Provide both values, plus any riser or equipment mounted on the carriage.
Effective travel is shorter than the overall track assembly because the robot base and required end clearances occupy part of the length. Final travel is confirmed from the cell layout.
Yes. The reference uses 3, 4, 5 and 6 m modules, while the overall track and effective travel are configured for the project. Longer or different arrangements require engineering review of the structure, joints and site.
Available options include fully enclosed protective covers, bellows, checkered-plate covers and semi-enclosed sheet-metal covers. Custom 304 stainless-steel construction can also be considered for applicable projects.
Share the available footprint, foundation information, utilities, machine and fixture positions, access restrictions and any required safety or controller interfaces. Photos and a cell drawing are useful for an initial review.
Send the robot make and model, installed mass, wrist payload, required travel, application, target speed and repeatability, duty cycle, environment, preferred layout and available site drawings.
Products and resources
Review application-specific systems first. Use the engineering guide when you need the underlying selection principles.
Application-specific welding procurement context.
View system → Engineering guideSelection logic, terminology and planning context.
Read guide → Welding systemA gantry-based welding-system configuration.
View system → Welding systemA cantilever motion and welding-system entry.
View system → Project videoWatch an application video for a robotic welding project.
Watch video →Start with the requirement
Send the robot model, installed mass, required travel, application, duty cycle, environment and a cell drawing if available. EVST can return an initial configuration recommendation and layout feedback.
