The world of robotics is rapidly evolving, driven by technological advancements and increasing adoption across various industries. As robotics’ applications become more diverse, the need for reliable and efficient electronic connectors becomes even more critical.
Whether you are a design engineer, a purchasing manager or a repair technician, these trends are likely to impact the parts you’ll need to build new prototypes, plan your inventory or repair equipment. It’s helpful to know what electronic connectors you may need to power your robotics applications and where to find them.
5 Growing Trends in Robotics
1. Collaborative Robots (Cobots)
Collaborative robots, or cobots, are designed to support human workers with tasks on assembly lines, inspection, and material handling. Cobots tend to be smaller and more cost-effective than other types of robots, making them a good choice for mid-sized manufacturing companies or industries with a high degree of specialization.
One example is a machining company that uses robotic arms to load CNC lathes and remove burrs from metal parts. Using the cobots, the company experienced a 70% increase in revenue due to improvements in productivity. They also reduced musculoskeletal injuries among employees. Beyond specific applications, cobots are increasingly automating material handling tasks in various industries such as automotive, logistics, or aerospace, enhancing efficiency and safety.
Leading industrial robots manufacturer FANUC has introduced collaborative robots for warehouses and logistics that can run for up to eight years without requiring maintenance. These cobots pick products from shelves to fill orders, place boxes on pallets, and even identify and return duplicate packages from a conveyor.
As collaborative robots become more widely adopted within manufacturing facilities, logistics, healthcare and other industries, the demand for compact and lightweight electronic connectors increases.
Connectors for cobots should offer quick and secure connections for easy integration, reconfiguration,
2. Soft Robotics
Soft robotics involves the development of robots, or soft-bots, made from flexible materials that mimic the behavior of living organisms. One of the earliest examples of soft-bot technology is the pneumatic artificial muscle, or “iron lung” used to help polio patients breathe.
Soft robotics have great potential for biomedical applications, such as wearable devices that monitor a patient’s gait during rehabilitation, but they also show promise in manufacturing. Their ability to twist and turn makes them ideal for assembly work that requires greater precision, such as picking up smaller parts and turning to place them in another location.
This emerging trend in robotics calls for more adaptable electronic connectors, cord grips and strain relief components that can endure constant flexing and bending without compromising the integrity of electronic connections.
Connectors designed for soft robotics should have low profiles and be lightweight to reduce the impact on the robot's overall weight and flexibility.
3. Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs)
Autonomous mobile robots are self-navigating robots with the power to transform warehouses and distribution, among other industries. They use cameras, sensors and pre-loaded maps to navigate a building and can even be programmed to open doors or go up and down elevators. Many can run for an entire shift or longer, freeing up employees from many repetitive tasks. The integration of multiple robots in warehousing and logistics not only streamlines operations but, through the use of machine learning algorithms analyzing data from multiple robots performing the same tasks, significantly enhances efficiency and optimization.
AMRs need reliable electronic connectors to ensure seamless power transfer between the robot and its charging stations. Many are connected devices that need to be able to accommodate power, signal and ethernet cables. Connectors for AMRs should be designed to withstand harsh environments, such as dust, moisture, and temperature fluctuations.
4. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning
The integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning in robotics is enabling robots to perform more complex tasks with greater autonomy. For instance, robots with computer vision can detect faces or objects, while robots that use natural language processing can understand and respond to requests. The same technology that powers Siri or Alexa for consumers can help robots understand more advanced commands in an industrial setting. Robot manufacturers are incorporating AI and machine learning to develop intuitive programming interfaces and predictive maintenance tools through the analysis of robot performance data. This approach not only enhances the development of generative AI-driven interfaces for easier robot programming but also utilizes predictive AI for analyzing robot performance data, enabling predictive maintenance and reducing machine downtime costs.
As robot development becomes more complex, AI applications have emerged. Using machine learning for AI will provide an interesting new technology to solve complex problems for businesses. This subset of Artificial Intelligence aims to create something new from learning and is popular in tools like chatGPT and chatbot. Currently, robotics manufacturers are creating artificial intelligence interface software that can be easily programmed using the natural language rather than code. Workers won’t have to use special computer software skills to control robots’ actions. A second example is predictive algorithms that analyze robot performance for the prediction of its condition and performance.
These advancements increase the processing power and communication requirements between different robotic components. The electronic components within them need to be able to handle large amounts of data with low latency. They also need to be able to support multiple communication protocols and standards to accommodate sensors, actuators, and processing units found in AI-driven robots.
5. Internet of Things (IoT) Integration
Integrating the Internet of Things into robotics, known as the Internet of Robotic Things or IoRT, allows robots to communicate with other devices and systems for even greater efficiency. The IoRT powers Amazon’s fulfillment centers, helping employees pack boxes and ship orders faster.
Electronic connectors used in IoRT applications need to support secure and reliable data transmission to prevent unauthorized access and tampering. They also need to be compatible with communication standards and protocols to ensure seamless interoperability with other IoT devices.
Choosing the Right Electronic Connectors for Robotics
The introduction of the first industrial robot, Unimate, in the 1950s marked a significant milestone in the evolution of robotics, underscoring the importance of selecting durable electronic connectors for industrial robots. As the complexity and diversity of robotics applications grow, so does the variety of electronic connectors and components required to power them. Connectors for these applications need to be made of durable materials and resist vibration, demanding different locking styles such as reverse bayonet and twist and lock configurations.
Many of these connectors are housed within servo motors that are smaller and lighter, so they need to be able to fit into low profile spaces.
They also need to comply with electronic protection regulations, including UL certification, RoHS compliance, NEMA and VO flammability ratings. Partnering with an experienced connector distributor like ElectroShield that stock parts from world-class manufacturers can help you navigate the vast array of options and find the right solution for your application.
Our team of experts can help you find circular connectors that meet all these criteria and fulfill your order much faster than direct manufacturers. We can also help you plan for your upcoming needs so you can avoid production slowdowns or downtime. If you’re searching for equivalent parts or parts for maintenance and repair to keep your robotic systems up and running, we can find what you need and often ship it within 24 hours.
Popular connectors series commonly used in the Robotics industry include:
SPI Connects 26482 Series 1 Commercial
Amerline 5015-MS Resilient (RES)
Fujikura/DDK JM
Fujikura/DDK CE01
Sealcon/Hummel M23 Power
Sealcon M23 Signal
Learn more about our expertise in electronic connectors for robotics.
