There has never been a better time to be a designer or manufacturer of industrial automation equipment.
This market is at the convergence of many emerging technologies — from sensors and the industrial internet of things (IIoT) to machine learning and artificial intelligence — and estimated to grow to $256 billion by 2027, according to The Business Research Company’s 2023 annual report.
Industrial automation results in improved productivity, improves safety, and makes manufacturing processes more efficient. It encompasses a wide range of solutions, including robotics, CNC equipment and conveyor systems.
Here’s a closer look at the trends driving advancement in this space and how they impact design engineering.
What are emerging trends in industrial automation equipment?
1. The use of collaborative robots (cobots)
Cobots are becoming the cornerstone of many assembly lines, transforming the dynamics of human-robot interaction. They tend to be smaller than traditional industrial robots and serve a supporting role, bridging the gap between fully manual work and full automation. Cobots are versatile, adaptable, and capable of performing tasks with precision and consistency. One example of a cobot is an industrial palletizing robot designed to repeatedly lift heavy boxes and place them for transport while a human operator runs the forklifts to carry them to their destination. Unlike human workers, cobots can endure repetitive tasks for long periods of time without becoming fatigued or injured.
Electronic[CB2] connectivity for cobots demands highly reliable and robust solutions. Cable and connector systems need to endure dynamic, repetitive motion while maintaining signal integrity and providing safe, low-voltage power.
2. Advanced sensor technology
Sensor technologies such as vision systems and IoT-enabled sensors, are at the heart of modern industrial automation equipment. These sensors can detect issues in real-time, enabling predictive maintenance and enhancing efficiency and productivity.
For instance, they can detect a change in temperature or vibration in complex equipment, which could indicate impending engine failure. Sensors can also collect data on equipment run times and help manufacturers more accurately predict the asset’s life cycle.
The increasing reliance on sensors has significant implications for electrical connectivity. Sensors require a high volume of data transfer, pushing the demand for advanced, high-speed connectivity solutions. Power efficiency and the durability of cables and electronic connectors is also critical as sensors often operate in harsh industrial environments.
3. Smart, connected equipment
Industrial equipment is increasingly operating within the IIoT, ushering in a new era of connectivity and automation. A study by Juniper Research estimates the number of industrial IoT connected equipment will reach 37 billion by 2025. In addition to gathering data from sensor-powered devices, the IIoT also enables communication between machines.
Examples include industrial lift gates that integrate with access control technology, lighting systems that automatically adjust based on occupancy or natural light levels, and Fanuc’s FIELD system, an open IIoT platform that uses data collection and analysis to optimize productivity of its robotic equipment.
4. Adoption of AI and machine learning
AI and machine learning technologies are making automated equipment smarter. These technologies help machines learn from their operation history, predict future outcomes, and optimize efficiency.
They are especially valuable in areas such as quality control, logistics and energy efficiency. For instance, Google’s DeepMind machine learning technology enabled the company to reduce the energy consumption of its data centers by 40%.
Intelligent industrial automation equipment requires high-speed connectivity for data transfer and processing. Cable assemblies and electronic connectors need to accommodate power, signal, data and internet connections, supporting multiple contacts while remaining flexible and unobtrusive.
5. Autonomous mobile robots (AMRs)
Autonomous mobile robots are gaining traction in factories for material handling and transportation tasks. Unlike traditional automated guided vehicles (AGVs), AMRs can navigate without guidance systems, making them highly adaptable. AMRs are especially helpful in logistics, order picking and sorting, assembly line kitting, inventory and cleaning. Some, like the AutoGuide MAX-N Tugger from Mobile Industrial Robots, are capable of carrying up to 15,000 pounds.
Whether AMRs are wired or wireless, they need to handle large amounts of data from sensors and control systems.
What factors should design engineers consider when choosing electronic connectors for industrial automation solutions?
As industrial automation equipment becomes more advanced, there is a greater demand for more specialized electronic connectors and components to power them. In many cases, they require connectors for both power and signal with multiple contacts. These components need to be made of durable materials that can withstand high heat, humidity, and vibration. Configurations that can lock tightly into place but be disconnected easily are also ideal for these applications.
Additionally, they need to comply with electrical protection regulations, including UL certification, RoHS compliance, NEMA and VO flammability ratings.
Partnering with an experienced connector distributor like ElectroShield that carries parts from world-class manufacturers can help you find the right solution for your industrial automation equipment.
Whether you need a prototype for a new application or you want to ensure a reliable supply of parts as you ramp up production, we can help you find what you need fast. We can also help you find equivalent parts or parts for maintenance and repair to keep your equipment running.
Popular connectors series commonly used in Industrial Automation applications include:
Amerline 5015-Ms Resilient (RES)
Fujikura/DDK CM10
Fujikura/DDK CM05
Sealcon M40 Power
Sealcon M23 Signal
Take some time to explore our electronic connectors for industrial automation and connect with us when you’re ready for a quote.
