Across industries, industrial robots and robotic applications solve problems by going where humans can’t, shouldn’t, or don’t want to go.
Across industries, industrial robots and robotics are addressing challenges by entering areas where humans are unable, unwilling to efficiently step in. Today, industrial robots not only take on tasks that were previously largely completed by humans, but also take on a variety of tasks that need automation. From homes and hospitals to construction sites and factory floors, and even in space, robots are solving problems such as labor difficulties, high costs, and dangerous environments. They are particularly suitable for performing tasks that are “dangerous” and “dirty” , as well as tasks that require large quantities and high precision, such as semiconductor manufacturing.
The process of manufacturing semiconductor chips includes hundreds of steps, and robots are involved in almost every step. Globally, semiconductor manufacturing plants (i.e. wafer fabs) with a value of $1 billion to $2 billion are filled with various automated equipment. In addition to completing these processes, robots are also responsible for transferring products from one processing machine or robot to the next .
Many robotic applications are different from what people usually think of as robots. For example, missiles used by the military are actually robots. A robot is an electromechanical device driven by software to complete a task. A missile has no weapons and cannot pick up objects, but in every way, it meets the criteria of a robot.
In space applications, robots take the form of rovers that explore the Martian surface and perform tasks that humans cannot. While a rover might be considered a vehicle, it is certainly a robot.
Selecting Connectors and Cable Assemblies for Industrial Robots
The appearance and functionality of the connectors used in these applications are most influenced by the work the robot will be performing and the environment it will operate in. Robots in office spaces or cleanroom environments do not encounter the same issues as robots in harsh environments. Typically, robots in these spaces do not require high currents to handle large loads. Therefore, the connectors are relatively low cost and small in size.
Cleanroom cable assemblies with multiple connectors for automated optical processing equipment Cicoil .
On the other hand, heavy industrial robots in harsh environments may be exposed to severe temperature fluctuations, shock and vibration, gases, dust, and humidity. If the robots are lifting and moving heavy objects, they will need heavier-duty connectors with larger contacts to ensure intermittent connectivity throughout the life of the equipment. Often, these robots are in remote environments, such as space, where they cannot be easily repaired, so the connectors need to be durable enough to work properly indefinitely.
As the demand for products and work continues to grow, automation capabilities are also increasing, and these demands cannot be met by manpower alone. Industrial robots and automation technology are filling gaps and creating new opportunities. As highly complex machines, robotic equipment often contains a series of specialized electromechanical devices, including computers, sensors, hydraulic pumps, motors, and network connections. The task of connector suppliers is to find interconnect solutions that can reduce size, weight, and power consumption requirements while meeting power requirements, signal transmission, and high-speed data transmission.
KONNRA Connectors, as a manufacturer with more than 20 years of experience in the connector industry , proudly holds international authoritative certifications such as ISO9001, ISO14001, ISO13485, IPC620, IATF16949 and UL, which is not only a comprehensive recognition of the excellent quality and environmental performance of our products, but also a solid proof of our adherence to high standards and strict requirements. KONNRA continues to improve its production process and is committed to improving the reliability, stability and durability of its products to ensure that every product exceeds your expectations.
