Smaller, Faster and More Powerful: Global Trends Drive Advances in Automation

From protecting the environment to withstanding competitive pressure and meeting changing consumer demands, a few global trends have accelerated adoption of automation technology—and amplified expectations around what it can achieve. As we look to the future of factories, workplaces and homes, advanced connector design and engineering is already positioned to support the miniature, modular and flexible applications required.

Trend 1: More Robots Doing More

Autonomous robots have proven their worth in manufacturing and warehousing, increasing speed and accuracy while driving down costs. In addition to managing inventory, inspecting and testing products, and finishing and assembling even the most delicate and complex components, today's sophisticated robots are entering new settings and tasked with new responsibilities all the time. 

The next step is to seek ways to squeeze every drop of value from these technologies—both by increasing what robots can achieve while they're working and by reducing the time they spend off the clock.   

As autonomous robots grow more intelligent—using more sensors and cameras to collect and analyze vast amounts of data at higher speeds—they complete more complex tasks quickly with fewer errors. These advantages are not without challenges. For example, processing high volumes of real-time information requires high-speed, durable connectors that provide exceptional signal integrity and low latency to ensure consistent, dependable operation. 

As noted, the other route to increased productivity is in reducing robot downtime. Generally speaking, a robot can spend up to the equivalent of one month each year charging. Thus, decreasing charge time can make a direct impact on productivity and the bottom line. High-power solutions and quick-charge algorithms, however, require that smarter connectors and advanced temperature controls be built in. 

Trend 2: Steel, Glass and Flexibility

Driven by user needs, environmental concerns and the demand to remain competitive, businesses are looking closely at how infrastructure will support operations, users and corporate objectives over the short and long term. 

For example, companies around the globe are exploring ways to limit their carbon footprints in response to climate change. Low-carbon power such as solar continues to gain ground, potentially driving a shift to direct current power supplies. This will no doubt have a great impact on how infrastructure, particularly for factories, is built and powered.  

The built environment's impact on quality of life, and how that affects creativity and innovation, is also taking center stage. Workers are no longer tied to desks, expected to tolerate terrible lighting or adapt to a facility manager's idea of a comfortable temperature.  

Business, healthcare and education environments are turning their attention to accommodating smart, connected systems that can manage climate control, security and safety, as well as high-volume bandwidth for users across the workplace or campus. Modular, unified technology infrastructures—incorporated during initial buildouts and designed to support a wide range of technologies—reduce resource consumption, give users control over their environments and spur on-the-fly collaboration. 

Seeing what's possible at the workplace, users expect the same capabilities at home.

Trend 3: Everything Connected, Everywhere

From smart phones and televisions to programmable appliances and even mirrors, the Internet of Things continues to expand into the Internet of All Things. Originally envisioned as a boon to industry, the promise of IoT has been embraced within offices, vehicles and homes.

Growth is brisk within residential settings, according to market research. Security and safety applications are in the lead, with healthcare, environmental controls and entertainment applications close behind. It won't be long before people move from straightforward, digitally enabled functionality toward proactive scenarios in which artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning predict needs and solve problems without prompting.  

If there's one thing all IoT applications have in common, it's that each one is unique. However, space constraints are almost always an issue. So today's micro connectors allow multiple sensors, cameras and microphones in a vanishingly small area. And a wide variety of designs, orientations and locking features, plus the ability to withstand high temperatures, shock and vibration, provide tremendous flexibility—allowing designers to put functionality first and bring even the most blue-sky concepts to market.  

Molex Connector Solutions
As technology evolves to address these trends, Molex solutions enable streamlined prototyping and reliable operation in virtually any environment:

• High-Speed FAKRA Mini (HFM) Cable Assemblies with reinforced cable housings, reliable crimp termination, versatile PCB headers and fully shielded coaxial cable for real-time processing, superior signal integrity and low latency.
• Squba Sealed Connector Systems for secure seals in a small, low-profile package that can withstand harsh environments.
• A Full Connector Portfolio of wire-to-board, board-to-board and FFC/FPC connectors, and more, with microminiature, high-power and orientation options
• Fit Family Connectors in a range of pitches, current options and specialized features to connect sensors, cameras and more.
• Off-the-Shelf Cable Assemblies, including off-the-shelf overmolded cables, a broad offering of discrete cable assemblies with premium features built-in, and cost-effective pre-crimped leads.
• Fast-Charging Support, including rigid and flexible busbars, laminated busbars, and high-current interconnect systems to help ensure maximum robot productivity.
• Sensors, Antennas, Flex Assemblies, Switches and more for connected homes, vehicles and office spaces.

Visit the TTI Website for more information about the comprehensive Molex offering.