Robots are increasingly taking on some of the most repetitive, accident- and error-prone tasks. At the same time, they’re affording manufacturers the opportunity to realize newfound productivity, accuracy and safety levels. As robotic systems find their way into more applications across a growing list of industries, so grows the demand for specialized connectors, cable assemblies and components.
For those who need to design safe and effective robotics to support a wide range of industries, including automated manufacturing, it’s critical to partner with an experienced provider of compact, high-performance assemblies, connectors, sensors and cables. But designing robotics is a complex undertaking that must take many diverse issues into consideration.
When Every Centimeter Matters
Responding to market demands for miniaturization, robotic manufacturers are increasingly requiring components that will deliver high performance in compact spaces. They require smaller connectors that facilitate high-speed, high-quality power transmission. As a pioneer in Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) technology, Molex has been proven to enhance robotic capabilities and intelligence with miniaturized connectors, wiring, sensors and other technologies, helping to make robots more compact for growing applications.
Fighting Downtime with Reliability
As robotics add both speed and complexity to factory operations, manufacturers prize solutions that minimize downtime. Molex supports production demands with ultra-rugged, high-performance easy-to-install industrial automation solutions designed to take on the toughest conditions. Component reliability translates to greater productivity and increased safety by limiting breakdowns and worker exposure to the hazards of performing repairs.
Leveraging Robotics for Safety
To meet customer expectations while ensuring worker safety and adhere to government safety regulations, manufacturers are turning to robotic systems to take on hazardous functions, freeing humans to focus on higher-level jobs. State-of-the-art automated technologies collaborate and support operators, working side-by-side, to maintain maximum output and efficiency. Molex facilitates seamless integration of robots and humans in modern manufacturing. Design experts with extensive technical knowledge in safety protocols, including CIP Safety and PROFIsafe, help customers achieve functional safety across all worker environments. Through collaboration, customers achieve efficient operations, while conforming to the highest regulatory standards.
Moving Towards Industry 4.0
The convergence of robotics along with AI, IoT, SaaS security and other rapidly expanding technologies are shepherding in the fourth industrial revolution, or Industry 4.0. Integrating robotics with cloud-based and existing operational systems is a big, complex job requiring specialized expertise and solutions. However, successful implementation of robotic systems offers manufacturers benefits in productivity, accuracy and job-site safety.
Molex offers communication solutions that extend beyond connectors, providing comprehensive communication and control capabilities that integrate with technologies such as Single-Pair Ethernet that doubles data transfer rates while maintaining consistent power quality. Reliable, compact connectivity products help customers manage robotic systems both on site, as well as virtually through cloud, intranet and other remote channels. Smart operators can now perform oversight functions from afar.
Innovative Robotic Solutions
Reliable, rugged, space-saving connectors enable smart manufacturing and result in a multitude of associated benefits. Specialized solutions for the robotics industry include:
Robot Arm Connectors
Adaptable robot arms provide design flexibility to meet space constraints and reliably perform assembly tasks. Molex industrial-grade connectors are designed with optimized performance and miniaturized form factors, offering plug-and-play options, several circuit sizes, plating and mounting options and mating heights to support constantly changing requirements.