More robots are being deployed in factory-automated environments every year. Robot manufacturers depend on specialized robot cables that are highly bendable, flexible and durable to minimize downtime. Boston Consulting Group (BCG) projects that upwards of 1.2 million more advanced robots will be added in the U.S. between 2015 and 2025. Four industries that are leading this shift include computer and electronics products; electrical equipment and appliances; transportation; and machinery. There is a much greater cost savings when you can automate more tasks in a particular work flow. BCG forecasts that 25% of all manufacturing functions will be automated by 2025. BCG sees quick increase in robotics as a catalyst for smaller factories that can easily replicate assembly systems to be created so they can better serve local areas with more personalized and customized products. The Robotics Industry Association (RIA) has estimated that over 250,000 robots are currently in use in the United States. This makes the US the third highest country in the world (behind Japan and China) that is using industrial robots.
UL suggests that “cable issues, particularly flexing performance of robotic cables, is ranked top for downtime and loss of productivity.” Downtime means lost revenue and also can mean damaged reputations. Paying closer attention to how robot cables are attached and guided is important to help minimize downtime. As robots get more and more complex, the need for specifying the right cabling has been amplified.
Cabling must be bendable, flexible and durable in FA robot environments. When the cable management system is left to the last minute, the wrong cabling can be used, or the cable can be installed improperly. Unprotected cables and cables that are installed incorrectly are likely to fail. Downtime is expensive and often cable damage may shut down a critical robot on the line.
OKI’s robot cables are designed for FA
OKI Electric Cable has a proven history of providing products to industry leading robot manufacturers for over 30 years. Our expertise includes providing suitable solutions for many different types of robots. OKI enables small orders and shorter delivery dates by standardizing some robot cables. OKI cables deliver value across a wide range of needs for flexing and torsion environments. Here are a few of our world-class products;
- ORP Series: Normal robot cables are custom made. We standardize to enable small orders and shorter delivery dates.
- VEYOR-CABLE: Adhering highly bendable robot cables in parallel give this parallel cable both flexibility and excellent sliding durability. In addition to cables, we support a wide range of manufacturing, including adhesion with air tubes and fiber optic cables.
- C5E(S-HFR) Series: This Cat5e LAN cable, our GigE Cable, has high-grade bending due to special polymers and shielding.
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