Feature

Smarter wiring solutions for advanced, affordable robotics

Miniature industrial robots, including desktop-sized SCARA units and collaborative robots that can work safely alongside humans, are making advanced automation practicable for a wider range of applications.

30/09/2020 15:59:30

Easy-to-use graphical programming tools add to the attraction, giving owners control and flexibility without requiring heavy investment in specialist skills or training.

The market for industrial robotics is showing double-digit growth and could exceed $40 billion by 2025. With commercial opportunities for drones also taking off, buyer power will pressure robot suppliers to produce more units, reduce ownership costs, and introduce new features and capabilities quicker.

To meet these demands, robot makers need to increase their own productivity, which calls for efficiency gains, such as reducing the time to build and test each unit. Among these, design changes that minimise the number of individual parts and ensure easier assembly can accelerate manufacturing and ease production logistics. They can also deliver reduced commissioning time, easier maintenance, and greater reliability.

A systematic approach to wiring could help realise these gains by minimising the time to install power, signal and IO connections throughout the machine. For drones, a connector system can help lower airframe weight by providing components, such as distribution units, that minimise the number of cables and cable run lengths.

Read the full article in the October issue of DPA

Written By Sophia Bell

Sophia Bell is the Group Editor of DPA, Connectivity, and PBSI. She joined the team in 2020 as Assistant Editor after achieving a First-Class Honours BA in English Literature and Film Studies from the University of East Anglia. In her current role, she leads the editorial strategy, driving digital growth and ensuring each title continues to deliver trusted, relevant insight for engineering and manufacturing professionals.