Issue link: https://resources.mouser.com/i/1529320
12 Advancements in Industrial Automation As cobot adoption continues to rise, we anticipate further improvements in other safety features, such as proximity and absolute positioning sensors. By using a range of optical and pressure sensors, factory owners can build an invisible fence around cobots, which triggers the machines to either slow down or stop immediately when a human enters the workspace. Robotics Reliability in Harsh Conditions Reducing downtime and repair costs is essential to keeping cobots affordable, which presents a challenge because cobots typically operate in environments that aren't friendly to electronic components and moving parts. Dust, moisture, oil, heat, vibration, and electromagnetic interference are common in factories and warehouse settings. That's why TE designs components like position and angular sensors specifically for these harsh conditions. But cobot designers often overlook another area where reliability is paramount: cables and connectors. The cables and connectors for axis components like sensors and motors are often housed inside the cobot arm itself. Even with this protection, it's necessary to use industrial-grade cabling assemblies specifically designed to provide the range of motion needed for each arm joint while eliminating any unwanted movements as the arm performs its tasks repeatedly. Connectivity gets even trickier when a task has to accommodate the variability in end-of-arm tooling and sensing. Switching between tasks often requires a new set of tools at the end of the cobot arm, including grippers, sensors, cameras, and lights. Each of those components needs power and data connectivity outside the protection of the cobot arm. Because adaptability is one of the main benefits of cobots, TE is focused on helping designers reduce complexity in their cabling and connectors while maintaining functionality. For example, the company is working on solutions that combine power and data connectivity in a single cable, such as Single- Pair Ethernet (SPE). This one cable provides enough power and data transfer rates for any end-of-arm peripherals. Enabling the Factory Architecture of the Future The rise of cobots has already brought new levels of automation into settings where it wasn't practical or affordable just a few years ago. As cobots continue to take over more tasks, they will also help manufacturers optimize their production process for even greater efficiency and flexibility (Figure 3). Figure 3: Integrating cobots into production lines and equipping them with the latest advancements in wireless connectivity will pave the way to more efficient and flexible factories. (Source : Ridvan/stock.adobe.com)