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Industrial Automation Solutions

Industrial automation systems—including robots, machine-to-machine communications and machine learning—have created the smart factory, which is facilitating faster times to market and improving responsiveness to changing demands. However, customers who wish to embrace smart solutions face several challenges, not the least of which is harsh environments. But harsh industrial environments also need enhanced functional safety and information security as much as their consumer counterparts. To successfully address these issues, customers require comprehensive connectivity innovations that can deliver high performance and reliability in the toughest conditions.

Overview

Industrial manufacturing is an essential part of modern life.  All the products that we take for granted, from domestic appliances to the latest robots, rely upon an efficient and responsive manufacturing industry for delivery.  

Changes in consumer behavior and expectations of rapid availability have forced manufacturers to adopt new industrial automation techniques. Modern factories need to be operationally flexible—able to swiftly switch processes in response to market changes. Manufacturers that have accelerated their adoption of new digital technologies have shown greater resilience. These technologies, collectively known as Industry 4.0, have driven the emergence of the smart factory. 

The smart factory combines operational technology (OT) with the latest information technology (IT). Real-time communication between machines and business applications creates a more responsive facility that can quickly and capably pivot as demands change. Improved spatial awareness and navigation capabilities enable the use of robotic process automation. However, the prolific use of autonomous robots creates the need for robust functional safety and information security protocols.

The introduction of cloud and edge computing technology brings high-speed, low-latency computing power to the factory floor. The smart factory uses artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to make more informed,  
data-driven decisions about production, supply chain and maintenance. 

This advanced industrial automation equipment must provide superior reliability, even in harsh conditions. That means the smart factory needs safe, dependable and cohesive connectivity between machines and business applications to help manufacturers easily reconfigure their processes. Connectors, sensors and antennas must also be sealed against the elements, capable of withstanding extreme temperatures and resistant to high vibration. Molex is globally recognized for delivering advanced, end-to-end industrial automation solutions. We support customers with an extensive range of ruggedly designed and engineered infrastructure solutions specifically tailored for harsh-duty manufacturing environments including automotive, material handling, food and beverage, commercial vehicles and more.

Industrial Automation Applications 

AGV Connectivity Solutions

Unlock the full potential of your AGVs with robust connectivity, power management and sensor solutions designed by Molex for seamless integration in demanding industrial environments. Drive efficiency and reliability in your automation systems with our expert-engineered technologies.

Explore AGVs

AMR Connectivity Solutions

Discover the cutting-edge solutions that allow autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) to navigate complex environments, optimize energy use and maintain seamless communication. Explore how advanced connectivity and power management innovations from Molex are driving efficiency, precision and reliability in even the most demanding industrial applications.

Explore AMRs

Industrial Robotics

The design of automated applications in industrial settings requires robust and durable interconnects with the bandwidth and speed necessary to bring operations into Industry 4.0. Molex delivers a range of miniaturized and rugged solutions that deliver performance across industrial robotic systems.

Explore Industrial Robotics Connectors

PLC

Optimizing the performance and reliability of programmable logic controllers (PLCs) requires robust, versatile and high-speed connectivity solutions. From interconnects and cables to network interface cards and software kits, Molex solutions help PLC designers ensure exceptional performance and unparalleled reliability for demanding environments.

Explore PLC Connectors

Vision Systems

Unlock the potential of machine vision systems designed for smart warehousing and manufacturing. Learn about innovative connectivity and data transfer solutions that deliver reliable operation even in the toughest industrial settings.

Explore Machine Vision Connectors

By the Numbers

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USD 160 Billion

Industrial Automation Market

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3 Million

Global Industrial Robots

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10%

Smart Factory Growth

Featured Resources

Rugged Connectors for Extreme Environments

Industrial equipment must perform reliably in the harshest conditions, where mechanical stresses like vibration, torsion and shock increase the risk of failure and downtime. Engineers require connectivity solutions that combine high IP ratings, robust materials and fast, secure mating features to ensure long-term reliability. Molex offers a portfolio of connectors tested and certified for durability, featuring chemical-resistant WSOR cable jackets and push-pull technology. These solutions simplify installation, reduce maintenance time and provide consistent performance, even in extreme environments.

Explore Harsh Environment Solutions
Harsh environment connectors in industrial machinery.

Making the Smart Factory Safe

Even though the smart factory has created a “lights-off” environment that reduces the need for consistent human intervention, workers need to gain access for maintenance. Read how Molex is working with customers to help provide functional safety and facilitate the possibility of full factory automation.

Read the Blog
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Evolving Factories Without Sacrificing Safety

As factories continue to automate and digitize, people remain a critical part of their operations. Those interacting with robots or machines often work near large, heavy, fast-moving equipment that’s operated remotely.

Recognized as an Industrial Communication Competence Center, Molex has focused on functional safety as a key part of our Industry 4.0 portfolio. Our solutions find common languages that allow diverse technologies to talk to each other. They help machines sense people and keep them safe. Functional safety also reduces costly mechanical barriers and leads to higher quality and efficiency. But most importantly, a company’s most precious assets – their people -- always return home safe.

INDUSTRIAL

Salvagnini Collaborates with Molex, Fueling Flexible Industrial Automation Solutions, Expediting a Path to Industry 4.0

The promise of Industry 4.0 looms large for companies worldwide as plans ramp up to digitize and transform the operation of complex machines, control systems and factory floors. The Industrial internet of Things (IIoT) is ushering in the Fourth Industrial Revolution by synchronizing manufacturing processes with advanced technologies that produce real-time data, intelligent interconnectivity and increasingly flexible automation. For many organizations, the opportunity to realize the value of Industry 4.0 is still on the horizon. At Salvagnini, however, an overarching commitment to process optimization and efficiency is yielding tangible benefits today.

Explore the Case Study
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“We turned to Molex after dealing with communications loss issues on an EtherCAT line, which is the smart communications backbone for our machines. Together we tackled the wiring issue and investigated different connector types to determine how best to achieve higher stability and connection quality.”
Bruno Sambi
Head of Technical Development
Salvagnini

Featured Videos

Brad M12 Ultra-Lock Connection Systems

Molex and Salvagnini Collaboration

Additional Resources

Report

Robotics in Industrial Automation: The Future of Productivity

The Molex 2024 Robotics Report: How Robotics Will Empower Human Potential, explores the transformative power of robotics across various industries. Within the industrial sector, we examine how robotic systems, powered by AI, ML and edge computing, will rewrite manufacturing processes as we know them, enhancing productivity and ensuring workplace safety.

Read the Report

Trend

Rugged Miniaturized Connectors for Reliable Product Performance

From industrial robots to conveyor belt sensors, Molex miniaturized connectivity solutions deliver reliable performance and data transmission — even in the most critical industrial applications.

Explore Rugged Miniaturized Solutions

REPORT

The State of Industry 4.0

Industry 4.0 is the name given to the latest industrial revolution encompassing smart factories, robotics, cloud computing and machine learning. Molex examines the current state of Industry 4.0 and explores next steps.

Read the Report
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BLOG

Ushering in the Era of Smart Machines and Robotics

While smart machines and robots help enhance flexibility and efficiency for manufacturers, introducing new technologies causes unexpected challenges. Read how Molex is helping customers to realize the benefits of Industry 4.0.  

Read the Blog
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Featured Products

Industrial Thank You

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