Enabling factory automation: warehouse robotics & autonomous mobile robots in action

The shift towards a more automated factory ecosystem didn’t happen overnight. It’s a trend that has been long forecasted in this and other industries that rely heavily on labor pools with high turnover rates. Introducing robotics is a two-pronged solution for many companies – on one hand, it serves as a cost reduction solution, and on the other, it reduces reliance on physical labor which in an industrial setting can minimize safety concerns while increasing productivity.

Overview of Factory Ecosystem

Source: The Manufacturer

As the recent pandemic swept across the globe, labor shortage became a front runner in the argument for accelerating the timeline of this transition in factories and logistics hubs around the world. Within the development of robotics technology, there are two components – hardware, the physical product, and software which resides on compute modules in the robots themselves and externally, which serves as the operating system. In order for factory automation to be effective, data needs to be transferred between sensors and a robot’s onboard compute module, and transmitted to and from fixed access points at an unprecedented speed. This is where RF technology plays a critical role in the functionality of autonomous designs.

Autonomous Mobile Robots in Warehouse Setting

Source: The Fabricator

Amphenol RF has developed a number of high-bandwidth interfaces capable of data transfer rates fast enough to enable the operation of these robots. RF connectors and cable assemblies traditionally used in automotive applications are easily finding a home in the world of industrial IoT. Their rugged construction and versatile features make them a high-demand component in new designs where standard off-the-shelf products provide a quick solution, cutting down on lengthy engineering processes and lead times due to current shipping constraints.

One product in particular that is relevant in this space is the AUTOMATE Mini-FAKRA connector and cable assembly. This RF connector type is attractive for a number of reasons including its compact design which offers considerable space savings over traditional automotive FAKRA connectors. AUTOMATE is available in multi-port configurations and provides data transfer rates up to 20 Gbps, capable of transmitting large amounts of data between the robot and the onboard computer. This data is then quantified within the operating system in order to offer optimized performance for optimal levels of productivity. AUTOMATE Mini-FAKRA connectors team with high-speed FAKRA products to connect camera and sensors within autonomous mobile robots such a tugs, lifts and automated shelving robots.

Amphenol RF FAKRA & AUTOMATE Mini-FAKRA Portfolio

Other durable interfaces such as the Amphenol Ruggedized Connector (ARC) series which includes N-Type, SMA and TNC connectors are also used prominently in this space. These RF connectors and coaxial cable assembly types are engineered to withstand harsh environments and protect against temporary submergence. Warehouse robotics used in these harsh environments specifically are intended to reduce the risk to more vulnerable human labor.

Warehouse robots are also shrinking in size which has increased the need for ultraminiature solutions that take this into consideration. And with that, RF interconnects have to get smaller to keep up with the demand, without sacrificing performance specs. A solution often being used here are cable assemblies that utilize micro-coax cable types to connect subminiature and ultraminiature connectors, some of which are designed to support WiFi 6/6e connection speeds, in an extremely flexible package. Amphenol RF offers AMC or AMC4 jumpers terminated to a variety of standard RF interfaces including BNC, MCX, SMA and TNC connector types. Micro-coaxial cable diameter options include 0.81, 1.13, 1.32 and 1.37 mm.

Amphenol RF Ultraminiature Product Portfolio

AMC and AMC4 connectors are compatible with industry-standard Hirose U.FL (W.FL) and IPEX MHF (MHF4) options and support frequency ranges up to 10 GHz. These products feature a PCB layout of approximately 2 mm square with a mating height as low as 1.4 mm. The small board footprint makes them ideal for a variety of IIoT applications where space is in short supply.

Within this technology, cameras and smart antennas are utilized as a part of the data collection protocol. Amphenol RF draws from their core competencies to develop custom camera interconnect and smart antenna solutions that deliver critical data to the compute module or decision-making hub of the AMR. The robust portfolio of standard interconnect products within Amphenol RF’s wheelhouse, along with the ability to create innovative custom solutions lends itself naturally to this evolution in automotive technology. High-float solutions, such as the popular SMP and HD-AFI connector series, allow for blind mating of camera backs which is both convenient and functional.

Autonomous robots are becoming quickly adopted in the IIoT ecosystem and Amphenol RF is continuing to develop products that support this innovative technology. Our cross-functional teams work together to develop solutions that meet the needs of a wide range of applications as well as custom products that are better suited for specific technologies. As the industrial ecosystem continues to evolve and become more connected, RF interconnect will be a critical component in enabling factory automation.