Güdel :: Linear Motion Technology, Gantry Robots & Intelligent Automation Systems

Güdel is a global Swiss industrial automation company founded in 1954 and headquartered in Langenthal, Switzerland. With approximately 1,000 employees and more than 20 locations worldwide, Güdel is recognized as one of the leading providers of linear motion technology, gantry robots, and intelligent automation systems. The company offers a fully integrated portfolio ranging from high-precision mechanical components to complete turnkey robotic automation solutions. Its core competencies include modularity, Swiss-engineered quality, innovation, and long service life, making its products particularly valued in demanding industries such as automotive press automation, tire manufacturing, intralogistics, aerospace, railway, battery handling, composite manufacturing, machine tools, building materials, energy, and food processing.

Güdel’s robot-based products are built on its extensive range of linear motion components and are centered around gantry robots, TrackMotion linear tracks for industrial robots, and multi-axis automation modules. The company does not manufacture traditional 6-axis articulated robot arms; instead, it excels at extending and enhancing the performance of robots from all major brands (FANUC, KUKA, ABB, Yaskawa, etc.) by providing highly dynamic and precise linear motion systems.

Key robot-based products include:

• TrackMotion Floor (TMF) and TrackMotion Overhead (TMO) series: These are seventh-axis linear tracks that allow robots to travel along the floor or overhead on rails up to 100 meters long. The latest TMF-5 and high-performance variants support heavy payloads (up to several tons) with exceptional speed, rigidity, and low noise. They are widely used to expand robot reach in welding, palletizing, material handling, and press tending applications.

• Gantry Robots and Portal Gantries: Configured from standardized linear axes (EP, ZP, FP, CP series), these multi-axis Cartesian/gantry systems serve as powerful industrial robots for heavy payload handling, press automation, and large-scale material transport. Overhead gantries are especially popular for press loading/unloading and can be equipped with multiple bridges or arms.

• Linear Axes and Modules: Single-, dual-, and multi-axis linear motion modules that can be combined into complete robotic work cells. These are complemented by high-precision rack & pinion drives, planetary and angle gearboxes, linear guideways, and automatic lubrication systems.

Güdel emphasizes a “components to systems” philosophy. Customers can purchase individual precision components for their own machine builds or opt for fully engineered, integrated robotic automation cells with controls, safety systems, and Industry 4.0 connectivity. The company also offers comprehensive lifecycle services (Support, Protect, Improve) including 24/7 remote diagnostics, preventive maintenance, retrofits, and training.

With in-house manufacturing, strong R&D, and a global service network, Güdel delivers reliable, high-performance automation solutions that help manufacturers increase productivity, reduce labor dependency, and improve safety in demanding production environments. Its modular approach allows rapid configuration of custom solutions while maintaining short lead times and long-term parts availability.