Once the preserve of speculative science fiction novels and movies, we now live in a world where robots are prevalent. Many industries that were once powered by human endeavour alone have now come to rely on robotics for day-to-day functions; car manufacturing, for example, has become an increasingly automated effort. However, while the science behind these robots is fascinating – the process of writing algorithms that give these machines intelligence and so on – not much attention is given to the actual engineering of these robots. It’s often assumed that the machine is built and given intelligence, without any consideration for how that intelligence will affect the actual operation of the machine. Custom cables play a key part in the successful operation of robots, whether it’s a welding robot on a production line or a robot designed to function in the same manner as a person. Cables are used to actually power the machine and to facilitate the essential transmission of data that ensures the machine can carry out the function for which it was designed.

What Issues?

Designing a cable to fulfil these functions is harder than it seems. Cables used in robotic machines are often subject in intense and prolonged flexing due to the continued operation of mechanical parts. This sustained flexing can lead to abrasion and cuts on the cable, significantly reducing its operational life. There is also the issue of electromagnetic interference from external sources. This is particularly an issue in industrial settings where many machines are working at once. Electromagnetic interference can seriously hamper the operation of a robot, leading to reduced data transmission or even a total loss of data. Space can also present something of an issue. Cables are used in robotic machines to power them, control them and transmit data; this usually requires quite a lot of cabling to be housed inside a single machine, space that sometimes cannot be afforded.

The Solution

Cable manufacturers have long been working on finding a solution to these issues and there are a few standard procedures that can ensure a robot performs as well as it can. It’s important to note, however, that most machines are different and will require specific differences in cable design to function at their optimum level. The issue of abrasion is relatively easy to overcome. Using highly flexible cables and low friction cable shielding, the effects of flexing are usually negated entirely and the cables enjoy a long operational life. In some instances, this shielding will also need to be resistant to oil and solvents too. Cable screening and cable braiding is commonly used to counter the effects of electromagnetic interference, with twisted conductors and copper screening ensuring that the robot works properly in it’s designated environment. Finally, space can be saved by using a multicore cable combining data, power and control into a single cable. This cable will also be screened and shielded to ensure it performs as it should at all times. For more information on cables for use in robotics, get in touch with Custom Designed Cables.