Expanding Cobot Flexibility with SANMOTION G
SANYO DENKI AMERICA has announced that the SANMOTION G UR MotionPlus certification is now official. The SANMOTION G series servo systems are certified for use with Universal Robots’ MotionPlus software. Verified on UR MotionPlus 1.2 (released in Q1 2025), the certification confirms that SANMOTION G servo drives can integrate via EtherCAT for up to six axes, supporting both rotary and linear motion. This makes it easier to add a 7th axis and beyond — enabling greater flexibility for advanced applications in collaborative robotics.
Expanded Cobotic Range with a 7th Axis
One of the most important advantages of the SANMOTION G MotionPlus certification is the ability to extend collaborative robots that use Universal Robots’ MotionPlus software with a 7th axis. With certification, SANMOTION G servo systems are validated to control this additional axis via EtherCAT. This integration brings SANMOTION G’s high-precision motion into the robot’s extended range, enabling smoother and more accurate performance beyond the six built-in axes:
- Linear Pedestal / Track – Allows the robot to move along a floor-mounted track, increasing its reach to serve multiple machines or larger workspaces.
- Vertical Lift – Enables stacking, unstacking, or accessing high storage areas, making it especially useful for palletizing and warehousing.
- Sideways Axis / Shuttle – Provides lateral movement between conveyor lines or adjacent workstations without moving the robot base.
- External Rotary Axis / Positioner – Adds controlled rotation for applications such as welding turntables, rotary fixtures, or part orientation.
These options expand the robot’s work envelope, helping manufacturers increase flexibility, productivity, and efficiency while reducing the need for multiple units.
Benefits of SANMOTION G MotionPlus Certification
- Direct EtherCAT Integration
With the SANMOTION G MotionPlus certification, the servo drives are confirmed to work directly with Universal Robots’ MotionPlus software through EtherCAT. This ensures compatibility and smoother synchronization between the robot and external axes.
- Proven Reliability
The certification process ensures that SANMOTION G meets Universal Robots’ standards for performance, safety, and ease of use. - Broader Application Possibilities
Adding a 7th axis unlocks applications such as extended pick-and-place, machine tending across multiple stations, palletizing, packaging, and precision inspection. With the latest verification, the SANMOTION G Servo System is compatible with UR MotionPlus 1.2 (released in Q1 2025), which supports up to six axes and works with both rotary and linear configurations.
Why SANMOTION G Stands Out
- Power Range – From 50 W to 5 kW, SANMOTION G covers a wide spectrum of servo needs.
- Precision Control – High-performance amplifiers and advanced encoder options deliver accurate positioning.
- Efficiency – Recent updates improve amplifier efficiency by up to 19% and reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 29%, while also lowering weight and noise.
Final Thoughts
The SANMOTION G MotionPlus certification provides integrators with a straightforward way to extend collaborative robot capabilities. With reliable EtherCAT communication and flexible 7th-axis options, manufacturers can expand automation tasks, improve productivity, and reduce costs—all backed by SANYO DENKI’s reputation for quality and performance.