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Advanced Connectivity for Automated Guided Vehicles (AGV)

To minimize downtime, fully automated warehouses require high-speed connectivity, energy efficiency and optimized signal processing to perform precise pick-and-pack tasks and remote maintenance. Advanced sensors and cameras demand connectors with superior signal integrity to handle large data volumes seamlessly. Molex enhances AGV performance with a range of solutions for robust connectivity, optimized power consumption and efficient data processing.

Optimizing Response and Performance in Smart Warehouse Vehicles

Navigating complex industrial environments presents unique challenges for AGVs, which depend on accurate, reliable data transmission to support real-time decision-making essential to maintaining safety and productivity. These wireless vehicles, however, are not only susceptible to cyber threats that can disrupt smart warehousing operations but also face constraints in battery life that lead to increased downtime and reduced efficiency.

To address these demands, AGVs require high-speed data transmission that supports remote monitoring, rapid diagnostics and enhanced security. Improved battery life is equally critical, as it reduces operational costs and minimizes the frequency of replacements, keeping AGVs on the move for longer. 

Molex provides tailored solutions with high-performance connectors featuring superior signal integrity and dependable EMI/EMC compliance. Our expertise in CIP Safety and PROFIsafe protocols supports the highest safety standards, while custom busbar solutions and high-current interconnect systems address AGV power needs. With Molex, design engineers can achieve secure, high-speed connectivity and efficient power management to maximize AGV productivity and reliability.

Featured Products

Embedded Controller

As the AGV’s processing hub, the embedded controller handles real-time data to execute navigation commands and detect obstacles with speed and precision. Integrating inputs from multiple sensors, including LiDAR, cameras and ultrasonic systems, requires advanced data fusion to deliver a comprehensive view. The Molex portfolio features high-speed connectors and cable assemblies designed for low-latency data processing, seamlessly supporting modern sensors. Expertise in Network Interface Cards (NICs) at Molex, enhances real-time control and protects against cyber threats, promoting safe and stable communication in dynamic environments.

Network Interface Cards

  Processor Supply Voltage Communication Speeds Certifications Operating Temperatures
Network Interface Cards 64 MHz NIOS processor PCIe NICs: 3.3V, PCU NICs: 24V DC network, 3.3/5V bus, PC/104 NICs: 5V 1 Mbaud (CAN only), DeviceNet 125, 250, 500 Kbaud  ODVA, Conformance Approved, RoHS, REACH, cUL, CE, KCC PCIe and PCU NICs: 0 to +60°C, PC/104 NICs: 0 to +55°C

Data Processing Sensors

  Pitch Circuits Current Wire Gauge Voltage (Max.) Operating Temperature
Mini-Fit Connectors 4.20mm 4 to 18 Up to 20.5A 28 to 14 AWG 600V Up to 105°C
SlimStack Connectors 0.35 to 1.25mm

6 to 240

Up to 15.0A

 

100V

Up to 125°C

FFC /FPC Connectors

0.20 to 2.00mm

2 to 120

0.5A

 

50V

Up to 150°C

Premo-Flex FFC Jumper

0.25 to 1.25mm 

2 to 120

0.2A to 1.4A

 

60V

-40° to +105°C

Controller Internal Connectivity

  Pitch Circuits Current Configuration
DuraClik Connectors 2.00mm 2 to 15 3.0A Wire-to-board

Industrial Ethernet Connectivity

  Coding Poles IP Rating Field Attachables Shielded Cable Material & Length

Micro-Change M12 Connectors

X-Code, D-Code

4, 8

IP67, IP68

X

X

PUR, PVC, weld-slag oil-resistant (WSOR) TPE, up to 100m

Single-Pair Ethernet (SPE) Connectors and Cable Assemblies

T1

 

IP20, IP65/67

X

X

PUR and TPE, up to 40m

AGV Environmental Control

  Pitch Circuits Current Sealed Wire Gauge Operating Temperature

Squba Connectors

1.80, 3.60mm

2 to 10

14.0A

X

24 to 16 AWG

-40 to +105°C

 

Battery Management

The battery management system (BMS) optimizes AGV energy efficiency by balancing power use, extending operation time and reducing time for charging. Molex supports power management with high-performance busbars for effective high-power delivery, along with high-current interconnect systems that ensure low resistance and minimal heat generation. Our cell-to-battery pack connectors streamline cell integration for superior performance, featuring reduced weight, compact form factors and rugged designs for durability in demanding environments.

Power Connectivity

  Pitch Circuits Current Material Configuration
Busbars        30.0 to 200.0A Copper, Tin, Mylar, Nomex, rigid plastic and FR4 Flexible grounding jumpers, flexible, rigid or laminated busbars
Sentrality Pin and Socket Connectors 3.40, 6.00, 8.00 and 11.00mm  Single Up to 350.0A Gold, Silver Board-to-board, Busbar-to-board, Busbar-to-busbar, Power

Cell to Battery Pack Connectors

  Pitch Circuits Current Wire-to-Board Sealed Wire-to-Wire
DuraClik Connectors

2.00mm

2 to 15

3.0A

X

 

 
Mini50 Connectors

0.50, 1.20mm

4 to 38

4.0A

X

X

X
FFC/FPC Connectors

0.20 to 2.00mm

2 to 120

Up to 2.0A

X

 

 

AGV Sensors

For precise navigation and obstacle detection, AGV sensors demand accurate and reliable data transmission to support real-time decision-making. Design engineers look to sensor systems with low latency that can also withstand interference from environmental factors like dust and moisture. Molex delivers high-performance, rugged connector systems that make low-latency data transmission possible, maintaining signal integrity and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), even in challenging environments.

AGV Sensors Connectivity

  Pitch Circuits or Ports Current Data Rate Sealed Configuration Cable Type

HSAutoLink Connectors

1.27mm

6, 12

1.5A

13Gbps

X

Wire-to-board

Twisted Pair

High-Speed FAKRA Mini (HFM) Coaxial Cable

 

 

Single, dual, quad, custom

 

20Gbps

X

Wire-to-board, Wire-to-wire

Coax

MX64 Connectors

2.54mm

2 to 8

11.0A

 

X

Wire-to-board

 

DuraClik Connectors

2.00mm

2 to 15

3.0A

 

X

Wire-to-board