In the process of Robot Integration, various types of connectors and cables are required according to the application scenarios (such as industrial robots, collaborative robots, AGVs, AMRs, service robots, etc.) to achieve functions such as power supply, signal transmission, data communication, control system connection, and visual system integration. Common connectors and cables are listed below by functional category:
1. Power connection
Used for power supply of robot body, servo drive, motor, sensor, etc.:
- M12 L-code power connector and cable: used for 24V~63V DC power supply, suitable for compact scenarios.
- 7/8" power connector: commonly used in industrial automation power supply systems to connect sensors and actuators.
- XT60, Anderson, Harting Han series: suitable for high-power power supply systems such as AGV and AMR.
- Circular multi-core power connector: such as LEMO, Binder, Weipu and other brands, support multi-way power supply.
2. Signal transmission
Used to connect sensors, limit switches, emergency stop buttons, I/O modules, etc.:
- M8 / M12 A-code signal connector and cable (3~8 cores): connect photoelectric, proximity, temperature, pressure and other sensors.
- DB9 / DB15 / DB25 interface cable: used for analog and digital signal transmission.
- Phoenix, WAGO screw terminal connector: used for I/O signal terminal.
3. Data communication and network
Used for Ethernet, CAN, RS232/RS485, Profinet, EtherCAT, Modbus and other communication protocols:
- M12 X-code / D-code to RJ45 Industrial Ethernet cable: used for high-speed data communication, connecting industrial switches and controllers.
- RJ45 Cat5e / Cat6 / Cat6a network cable: commonly used between collaborative robots and system controllers.
- CAN bus connector (such as D-sub 9Pin) and cable
- USB cable (USB 2.0/3.0): connect cameras, embedded computers, and sensor devices.
4. Servo/encoder system connection
Connect servo motors, drives, incremental/absolute encoders:
- Hybrid Cables: integrated power supply + encoder signal.
- Encoder connector (such as HEIDENHAIN, SICK dedicated interface)
- Industrial circular encoder cable (Mini DIN, M23, etc.)
5. Vision system connection
Such as integrated industrial cameras, 3D vision, laser sensors:
- USB3.0 / USB3.1 / USB-C high-flex camera cable
- GigE Vision network cable (Cat6e and above)
- Camera Link / CoaXPress / GMSL video transmission cable
- HDMI / DisplayPort / DVI Video interface
6. Robot and control system connection
Connect control cabinet, HMI, PLC, robot controller:
- Industrial D-sub connector cable
- M12 to industrial I/O module cable
- Industrial / MATEnet high-speed Ethernet connector (for next-generation compact control systems)
- Board-to-board connector / FFC / FPC cable: internal small connection solution
7. End-of-arm tool (EOAT) interface
End effector, air gripper, electric gripper, tool quick change:
- M8 / M12 connector
- Pneumatic quick connector
- Tool I/O cable: such as UR robot TOOL port, with 24V power supply and communication interface.
8. Protection and special design
- Drag chain cable (Highly Flexible Cable): resistant to bending and wear, used for dynamic moving parts.
- Shielded cable: anti-interference EMI/RFI, suitable for complex industrial environments.
- Waterproof and dustproof connector (IP67/IP68): suitable for outdoor or humid scenes.
Example brand recommendation
- Connector: Harting, TE, Amphenol, Molex, Phoenix Contact, Binder, Weipu, LEMO, Hirose
- Cables: igus (drag chain cable expert), Belden, LAPP, HELUKABEL, Sumitomo, Premier Cable (machine vision cable)
