As humanoid robot manufacturers rapidly move from prototype builds to commercial mass production, traditional joint wiring methods create major bottlenecks for them. Thus, Molex, has developed the MiniMix Hybrid Power and Signal Connectors, a purpose-built interconnect platform designed to solve these manufacturing and packaging challenges in next-generation humanoid robotics, autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and advanced industrial automation systems.
Combining 15.0A power and high-speed Ethernet communication within a single, ultra-compact interface, MiniMix streamlines installation in space-constrained joints, actuators and robotic mechanisms, reducing connector count, cabling complexity and assembly effort.
“MiniMix replaces tedious manual assembly with an integrated solution for power and signal transmission, freeing robotics designers to build sleeker, lighter and more responsive autonomous systems at scale,” said Brian Hauge, president and SVP, Consumer and Commercial Solutions at Molex.
Integrating power and signal connectivity into increasingly compact joints, actuators and articulated mechanisms without sacrificing performance is a major hurdle for the robotics industry. Design engineers face severe space and assembly constraints in multi-axis articulated joints — such as wrists, elbows, knees, ankles and neck assemblies — where actuator motion systems must route high power and high-speed control data through extremely tight channels.
Traditional approaches using separate power and signal connectors are typically too bulky and heavy to fit in these confined spaces, forcing manufacturers to thread bare wires manually and hand-solder terminals during final assembly, which introduces potential failure points and slows production output.
The Molex MiniMix Hybrid Power and Signal Connectors aims to resolve these manufacturing challenges by consolidating up to 15.0A power contacts and 1Gbps 1000BASE-T1 Ethernet communication into a single integrated interface. Featuring an ultra-compact 5.65mm routing profile, MiniMix is the industry’s smallest hybrid connector, requiring up to 50% less routing area than alternative options. This enables pre-terminated cable assemblies to pass smoothly through narrow internal actuator channels, articulated limbs, robotic joints and end-effectors.
Offered in vertical and right-angle mating orientations, the Molex MiniMix Hybrid Power and Signal Connectors can accommodate diverse layout requirements while optimizing space utilization and reducing cable strain. Furthermore, its robust, vibration-resistant mechanical design withstands continuous motion and constant flexing, ensuring reliable electrical performance and long-term durability across repeated movement cycles.
