In the field of modern industrial automation, connectors play a critical role in transmitting data between data sources and actuators, as well as facilitating interconnectivity among various actuators. They are indispensable for ensuring the stable and efficient operation of modern automated production lines. As the pace of automation transformation accelerates across major domestic factories, industrial robots and similar equipment are now ubiquitous on production lines. However, for industrial robots to achieve more flexible and agile movement and operation-and to move toward true "automation"-the collaboration and empowerment provided by connector technology are crucial. Currently, with the advent of 5G and the Industrial IoT, connectors for industrial robots must keep pace with these rapidly evolving application demands by making further improvements and innovations in both technology and product design. This presents new challenges for the growing number of connector companies specializing in the industrial sector.
To many, connectors may seem like a rather traditional electronic component, yet they are widely used across numerous sectors-from consumer electronics to automotive and industrial equipment. In the industrial sector, in particular, an increasing number of factories are accelerating the transition of their assembly lines toward full automation. Consequently, robotic equipment-the mainstay of automation-has naturally become standard equipment in both small factories and large production facilities. Today, production line spaces are becoming increasingly compact, driving the miniaturization of industrial robots. This trend is particularly significant when robots operate in harsh environments-such as those with high vibration, high-speed movement, or high temperatures-where special requirements for connection technology arise, making the role of connectors even more critical.
Taking 3C manufacturing production lines as an example, Pan Wenyu, Senior Marketing Manager at the Shenzhen Branch of Hirose (China) Enterprise Management Co., Ltd., told reporters: " Industrial robots are inherently large pieces of equipment, as traditional six-axis robots tend to be quite bulky. Currently, the primary application for robots remains on automotive assembly lines. However, as industrial automation becomes increasingly prevalent, this trend is becoming more pronounced. For instance, robots are being used more and more on 3C automation production lines, so the use of robots in the 3C industry is becoming increasingly optimized. In the 3C industry, the first consideration is compact size, and the second is that the overall appearance must harmonize with the production line. Take Huawei and Nokia, for example-their factories are exceptionally well-organized, and they primarily use Siemens equipment for SMT. This necessitates pairing them with robots that blend seamlessly into the environment."
This also places demands on industrial connectors for smaller and more compact designs. Pan Wenyu noted: " "This is a direction we aim to explore. Connectors must be made as small as possible to ensure a more aesthetically pleasing integration with robots. This compact design concept involves providing both power and signal transmission to the robot. Previously, these two functions were separate; our approach is to combine them into a single unit. While achieving compactness, we must also ensure that other critical aspects-including shock resistance, electromagnetic interference (EMI) protection, and durability against repeated plugging and unplugging-are fully addressed."
In fact, this approach is also aimed at further reducing the cost of factory equipment and saving space. A senior marketing manager at a domestic connector company also told reporters: "Industrial robots now need to minimize the number of interfaces as much as possible. Following this 'two-in-one' principle, a single interface housed in a 10B-standard enclosure is sufficient to meet the simultaneous power and signal control needs of an industrial robot, thereby making the functionality more compact."
However, combining these two functions also creates new challenges. When power and network transmission lines are placed in close proximity or integrated into a single port, signal interference becomes inevitable-a phenomenon analogous to the mutual interference between traditional power lines and network cables. "When these two are combined, one signal tends to be stronger while the other is weaker, leading to interference. However, we have our own technical solutions to address this issue," " said Pan Wenyu.
On the other hand, as 5G high-speed transmission technology is gradually implemented, industrial connectors must not only become smaller but also provide stronger and faster signal transmission capabilities. So, how exactly should we balance miniaturization and high-speed transmission from a technical perspective? Pan Wenyu believes: "In terms of data transmission, there is no inherent link between a connector's data throughput and the product's physical size. In fact, the determining factor for transmission capability is the current-carrying capacity; the higher the current, the larger the conductor must be, otherwise it will overheat and burn out. Regarding signal transmission itself, there are currently two main areas: high-speed signals and RF signals, both of which are areas where we have accumulated expertise. Regarding high-speed signals, the fundamental requirement is high-speed transmission. To design industrial connectors that achieve this, we must define the relationships between signal pins-for example, which pins require shielding. We have dedicated laboratories researching how to optimize these parameters, conducting simulations before finalizing product designs. "5G marks a transition from traditional high-frequency bands into the microwave spectrum-specifically, the 20 GHz or 30 GHz range. The fundamental requirement is to not only support such RF signals but also minimize signal loss."