Cables and Wires for Robotics
Durability against bending, torsion, and chemical stress
Robots and cobots are now an integral part of modern production and logistics. They enable the automation of numerous handling and processing tasks, working alongside people or entirely independently. Their movement is continuous, three-dimensional and repetitive—millions of repetitions of the same work cycle. To operate without disruption day after day, the cables and wires must maintain consistent performance under demanding conditions.
Robotics cables and wires are subject to specific requirements. They must withstand rapid accelerations and decelerations as well as repeated torsional, bending, and tensile stresses. In addition, they are often installed in confined spaces inside or along robotic arms which requires high flexibility and a compact design. In addition to mechanical loads, robotics cables and wires must also operate reliably in environments where they are subjected temperature fluctuations, oils, chemicals, and welding spatter.
HELUKABEL’s Roboflex® series of highly flexible cables was developed precisely for these requirements. They are optimally designed to endure torsion, abrasion, and notching, and are suited for use in moving applications with extremely small bending radii, making them a dependable choice for industrial robotics.
Most robotics cables feature a PUR outer sheath which provides excellent protection against mechanical wear and the harsh conditions of industrial environments. Other sheath materials, such as PVC and TPE, are also available for particularly challenging applications. In addition, the Roboflex® series meets international UL and CSA requirements and is halogen-free, improving safety and extending application possibilities.
The portfolio includes control, motor, & sensor cables, hybrid cables, as well as data, network, & bus cables. In addition to a wide range of stock items, HELUKABEL also supplies customised cables and complete system solutions. HELUKABEL’s subsidiary, Robotec-Systems GmbH, also provides pre-assembled dresspacks for robotic applications.
Reliability in robotic applications
The uniqueness of robotics cables lies in their ability to maintain their performance while executing complex and continuously repeating movements without any disruptions. In these conditions, standard cables may wear out or become damaged quickly, whereas solutions developed specifically for robotics applications remain reliable over the long term.
Robotic arm dresspacks, drag chains, and control cabinet wiring all place different demands on cables, but in each case, longevity and dependability are key. With the Roboflex® series, mechanical durability and electrical performance are combined in a way that will continue to serve the needs of industry for years to come. HELUKABEL cables minimise downtime and ensure production continuity, making them a valuable part of the whole.