Store precisely, deploy flexibly

RTB-ABS combines the bearing with an absolute encoder, so the position of the rotation axis is known immediately after switching on. (Image: Unitec/Rodriguez GmbH)

From September 15 to 19, 2026, Rodriguez will present its RTB bearings for machine tool construction at the AMB in Stuttgart. The axial-radial cylindrical roller bearings are designed for rotary and positioning units in machine tools and are suitable, among other things, for turntables, tool tables, milling heads, and additional rotary axes. The range also includes sizes 650 and 850, with which Rodriguez has recently expanded the application scope of the series.

RTB bearings absorb radial and axial forces in both directions, transfer tilting moments, and support precise, repeatable movements. They are therefore suitable for applications where stiffness, positional accuracy, and load capacity play a central role.

The right variant for every requirement

Depending on the application, various versions are available:

– RTB-Standard covers a wide range of rotary and positioning tasks.
– RTB-HSA is designed for applications with low friction torque and high speeds.
– In RTB-AMS, measurement is inductive and contactless. This makes the system insensitive to demanding environmental conditions and adaptable to different requirements for resolution and precision.
– RTB-ABS combines the bearing with an absolute value encoder. This means the position of the rotary axis is known immediately after switching on, without a homing cycle. This simplifies machine startup, reduces additional effort, and supports precise motion sequences. Various interfaces are available for integration into the control system.

Also part of the exhibition lineup is the MovoTrak Cobot Transfer Unit (CTU): a collaborative reach extension for cobots.

Collaboration instead of collision: MovoTrak CTU

Visitors to the trade show can expect another innovation: With the MovoTrak Cobot Transfer Unit (CTU), Rodriguez is offering for the first time a collaborative reach extension for cobots. The solution expands the working area with a movable 7th axis and enables the use of a cobot at multiple stations within a system. Production processes can thus be structured more flexibly, and robot systems can be better utilized.

The MovoTrak CTU is robustly constructed and designed for a variety of applications. It is based on two linear units that ensure maximum moment load capacity and stiffness even when the robot arm is fully extended. Based on these linear units, Rodriguez supplies a complete system including motors, gearboxes, and application-specific design.

Also introducing Value Added Products

In addition to precision bearings and linear technology, Rodriguez offers customer-specific special solutions. Components can be customized to meet specific structural and application requirements.

"The AMB is an important platform for us to exchange ideas with users and machine tool manufacturers," says Ulrich Schroth, Business Unit Manager VAP at Rodriguez. "We will showcase our RTB and special bearings and discuss specific requirements in precision, integration, and operational safety."