As robots become ubiquitous and the tasks they take on grow more complex, one constant remains: they must be able to endure harsh environment conditions without interruption or performance impacts. The definition of “harsh” varies significantly across the many operating environments that require automated processes. Some robots may be working in a highly controlled cleanRead More

Meet the Connector: What is the fieldbus protocol? A fieldbus is a serial bus system used to exchange data between different system components over long distances and under high external load. Fieldbus is a communication protocol used in automation and control systems to facilitate real-time data exchanges between different connected devices and equipment. For example,Read More

As automation becomes increasingly prevalent in modern manufacturing, the demand for high-speed factory automation networks is on the rise — and specifying the right connectors for these harsh environments is crucial. As automation becomes increasingly prevalent in modern manufacturing, the demand for high-speed factory automation networks is on the rise. The networks responsible for connectingRead More

From smart appliances to industrial automation, IoT technologies enable seamless connectivity. A new biography explores the life and mind of the technologist behind the theory of ubiquitous computing — or as we know it today, the Internet of Things. The Internet of Things is all around us, invisibly connecting and automating billions of devices. FromRead More

In an era of smart technology, there really is no place like home. Today’s consumer has come to expect both convenience and cost-savings from the new technologies that are reshaping the way people work and live. Fueled by the Internet of Things (IoT), nowhere is this more evident than in smart homes. Powered by computingRead More

Inexpensive sensors, fast networks, industrial globalization, and software advances including AI and machine learning have created an environment where factories, supply chains, workers, consumers, and investors can be connected everywhere, all the time. Industry 4.0, propelled by the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), is transforming business by embracing connectivity. IIoT connects the full scope ofRead More

As digital technologies transform the manufacturing industry, the Del Mar show has become the U.S. equivalent of Hannover Fair. The future of manufacturing is fully connected, as evidenced by the exhibits at the 2023 Del Mar Manufacturing Show. Manufacturers, suppliers, and industry experts came together April 25-27 to share the latest manufacturing industry trends, products,Read More

Upcoming industry events, as well as recent award, partnership, promotion, personnel, facility, distribution, standards, association, and certification news from across the connector industry. May 2023 Connector Industry News > Event News The HARTING charging cable used in Volkswagen electric vehicles (EVs) contributed to driver Rainer Zietlow’s most recent record-breaking achievement. Zietlow, who holds multiple GuinnessRead More

Consumers have quickly adopted convenient and cost-saving Internet of Things (IoT) technologies for home appliances, entertainment devices, and energy and security systems, reshaping the way we live, work, and manage our properties. Smart homes are answering consumer demands for ease, entertainment, comfort, and sustainability. Powered by computing devices and information technology, smart homes allow for multipleRead More

Along with meeting demands for more capabilities and greater performance, electronics manufacturers are taking steps to conserve resources, protect the environment, and care for their employees and the communities they serve. The recent TE Connectivity Industrial Technology Index, an online survey of engineers and executives, found that “executives are five times more likely than engineersRead More

Industrial communications strategies are shifting in favor of real-time communications at the field device level, with automation engineers and installers preferring single-pair Ethernet-enabled devices to collect field data. Industrial field device infrastructure trends Industrial communications strategies are shifting in favor of real-time communications at the field device level, with automation engineers and installers preferring Ethernet-enabledRead More

Meet the Connector: Single-Pair Ethernet Single-pair Ethernet (SPE) is a single, twisted pair of copper wires that replaces the traditional 2- or 4-pair Ethernet configurations. SPE technology has been developed to bring Ethernet the “last mile” to the factory floor — the sensor/actuator level, specifically monitoring devices at the edge of industrial networks such asRead More