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OKI Develops Machine Vision Interface Cable with FAKRA Connector for Robots and Industrial FA Equipment

In This Article:

- Achieves high speed transmission of approx. 5 Gbps and outstanding flexibility with a cable outer diameter of approx. 3 mm -

TOKYO, January 14, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--OKI Electric Cable (President: Hideo Yamaguchi, Head office: Isesaki, Gunma Prefecture), the OKI Group’s electric cable company, has developed a coaxial cable with a FAKRA (Note 1) connector for use as an interface cable for machine vision systems (Note 2) such as image inspection equipment. Targeting robots and the industrial FA industry, OKI Electric Cable plans to begin supplying samples in January 2025, with the start of mass production and shipping set for March 2025.

With the advancement of production automation in the manufacturing industry using robots and industrial FA equipment in recent years, large numbers of high-resolution cameras are increasingly being incorporated into production and inspection equipment. The industrial equipment used for visual inspections and component mounting now typically features a mechanism in which cameras move to follow the target objects such as manufactured products. This has created growing demand for cables with excellent durability to withstand such movements.

Combining its precision cable manufacturing technology with its expertise in designing cables with outstanding durability in moving parts gained through robot cable manufacture, OKI Electric Cable has developed a thin-diameter cable that maintains high-speed transmission performance, has the durability in moving parts to accommodate camera movements, and can be installed in confined spaces. With its compact dimensions and low heat generation, the cable meets the requirements of the automotive high-speed transmission LVDS standard (Note 3). The adoption of FAKRA connectors used in automotive GPS and camera systems for their vibration resistance and reliable connection offers high-speed data transmission and outstanding sliding (Note 4) performance.

The newly developed cable is offered in two types: for fixed wiring and for movable wiring. Both types can transmit high-definition video data at approximately 5 Gbps in real time. With a slim outer diameter of approximately 3 mm, the cable is easily routed in confined spaces. According to Hideo Yamaguchi, OKI Electric Cable President: "The connectors are available in two types—plug type and jack type—to enable relay connection (Note 5) between fixed and movable wiring cables. Using separate cables for fixed and movable sections allows customers to replace only the movable cable worn due to movement, helping to improve maintenance efficiency." This cable allows customers to obtain video via high-speed transmission from robots and industrial FA equipment equipped with cameras that make frequent movements.