Space Constraints Are Driving the Next Wave of Innovation in Automation & Robotics
This year, humanoid robots stopped being just a talking point, with their own dedicated pavilion on the show floor and real deployments already happening in production environments. A big thread running through a lot of the exhibits was how to do more with less room — whether that was AMRs squeezing through narrow warehouse aisles or compact robotic systems designed to slot into existing factory floors without a major overhaul.
Here are 5 space-saving trends we noticed at this year's Automate and how they hint at what's to come in automation and robotics.
1. Thermal Management Means Component Density is New Consideration
As more components are being added to devices and applications like humanoid robots, thermal management is becoming a challenge. Modular or hybrid connectors, engineers can combine power and signal into a single interface, minimizing component density, and allows for better heat distribution across a machine.
2. Traditional System Architecture is Evolving to Meet Space Requirements
As components become more compact and intelligent, it's causing engineers to rethink how they build the full machinery ecosystem. Some manufacturers and builders are even eliminating control cabinets from their infrastructure or shifting functionality across multiple smaller units to meet space restrictions.
"Reduction of space consumed by connectors on cabinets and panels also was a topic of many conversations," says attendee and HARTING expert, Kris Lower. "These conversations led to further discussions on
3. Smarter Machines Need Real-Time Data From Smaller Connections
Automation systems are demanding more data to make their systems smarter — monitoring real-time performance, communicating with other systems, and making adjustments with the help of AI. But doesn't mean more space is available to make this happen.
Products like the HARTING ix Industrial® enable higher data communication and allow flexibility in a smaller size. The ix Industrial® is 75% smaller than a standard RJ45 connector, reducing the footprint needed for data transmission while still supporting faster speeds.
4. Multi-Functionality in Components Unlocks Space-Savings
As industry changes so quickly to meet new innovations, manufacturers are increasingly focused on multifunctional components that can adapt as technologies evolve.
The
"It was interesting to see that some engineers didn't know that power, signal, and pneumatics can all live within a single Han® Modular connector," says attendee and HARTING connectivity expert, Jan Belingon. "It opens up their thinking as to what's possible."
5. Smaller Components Allow for Faster Deployment
Within manufacturing, the question is no longer whether to automate but how to scale faster, safer, and smarter. Components that enable fast, simple installation are becoming essential, as they reduce integration complexity, boost uptime, and accelerate time to value.
What's great about a tradeshow like Automate is the ability to see technologies from across regions, markets, and applications. In many cases, some components which are highly-used in some markets are not even known in others.
"HARTING is well-known in Europe for its
Automate Demonstrates Need for Small, Powerful Components
With the advancement of new automation and robotics technologies, shows like Automate allow for manufacturers and end users to think beyond their expectations for component capabilities. Throughout our conversations, it's clear that HARTING automation connectors will continue to play a big part in bringing dreams to life.
