Modular connectors for flexible automation

Yamaha Motor and HARTING look back on a long-standing partnership. In the recent development project, the Han-Eco® connector is being used in conjunction with the Han-Modular® system to reliably connect its first collaborative robot ("cobot") “YAMAHA Motor Cobot” to the control system. The new cobot features a 48 V DC power supply, seven axes and a high-precision torque sensor for exact force control.

For Yamaha Motor, design and usability are key aspects in the development of cobots. The demands placed on collaborative robots are increasing as they increasingly interact with humans and therefore need to be not only functional, but also easy to use and safe. The interface between the robot and the control
system plays a crucial role here: it must be compact, clear and fail-safe.

Various challenges had to be overcome in the development process for the new cobot, including compliance with safety standards and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC). The original solution with a Han-Modular® 8-pin power module was not sufficient, as additional grounding was required. Since the interface size was fixed, the project was in danger of failing.

The introduction of the Han-Modular® Domino system provided the necessary flexibility with the half size of the conventional module: it allowed an additional contact for grounding to be integrated by dividing the connection
for power and signals without enlarging the interface.

Modular connectors such as the Han-Eco® and the Han-Modular® system are central components of this development and meet the requirements of modern automation solutions for strong lifelines for power and
data in an All Electric Society. The All Electric Societys describes a future in which the entire energy requirements of society and industry are met sustainably and efficiently by renewable, electrically generated power.

Han-Eco® and Han-Modular® enable energy and data flows to be integrated securely and compactly – a basic prerequisite for the implementation of intelligent, networked automation solutions. The ability to combine single system not only supports the technical implementation of the All Electric Society, but also promotes the development of new business models and production concepts.

The transformation of automation is also evident in the increasing collaboration between humans and machines.
Cobots, such as those developed by Yamaha Motor, are a prime example of this development: they are no longer just tools, but intelligent partners that respond flexibly to changing requirements and relieve employees of demanding or monotonous tasks. The integration of modular interfaces helps to ensure that these systems remain easy to use, safe and future-proof. In addition, automation makes an important contribution to overcoming the shortage of skilled workers and promoting innovation.

Yamaha Motor takes the lead to invest specifically in training the next generation of robotics engineers and supporting educational initiatives to secure the skills needed for the industry of the future.