The way materials are made, moved, packed, stored, and shipped has been revolutionised by Automated Material Handling (AMH) and innovations in robotics, AI, machine vision, and RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technologies. Circular connector specialist Binder explains more.

AMH optimises manufacturing and logistics, increasing efficiency, with faster, more precise material movement, increased accuracy and enhanced safety. AMH and Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) offer real-time data on operational performance, material flow, and inventory benefitting the whole organisation.

AHM system components

Mechanical elements include check-in machines, sorters, conveyors, stackers, bins, and trolleys.  Conveyors utilise, rollers, or chains to move goods and can be straight, curved or inclined, making them customizable to the material.

Robots and cobots have the torque to move large loads for applications like palletising, while having the speed, and accuracy for delicate tasks such as pick and place. Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) navigate autonomously along predefined paths or by using mapping technology.

Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (AS/RS) combine cranes, shuttles, and conveyors, as well as software to control movement and maximizes storage density. WMS control the flow of materials throughout the facility, optimising the entire AMH process through real-time inventory management.

AMH electrical connectivity

Connectivity links the network of systems, components, and devices used to power, control, and communicate. It is essential for ensuring efficient operations, plus enabling data exchange for control monitoring, and power optimisation, playing a critical role in enhancing productivity, safety, and overall performance. 

Sensors detect objects, measure distance, and monitoring conditions. While connectivity enables their integration with the central control system, allowing real-time data and decision-making. Actuators perform physical actions based on control signals, and are interconnected to execute various tasks, such as opening gates, activating brakes, or controlling robots.

PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers) are the centre of electrical connectivity, controlling and automating processes based on sensor inputs; coordinating the movement of materials, managing traffic flow on conveyors, and synchronising the operation of different machines to enhance overall efficiency. Presenting information on Human-Machine Interfaces (HMI), they provide a Graphical User Interface (GUI) allowing operators to interact with the system. 

AMHs depend on communication networks for high-speed data through industrial ethernet protocols such as Profibus or PROFINET, plus wireless technologies enable seamless data exchange, supporting real-time monitoring, diagnostics, and optimisation.

Circular connectors for AMH applications

Connectors are the essential backbone to keep data and power transmission running. They should be robust to withstand extreme temperatures, moisture, dust, vibration, and mechanical stresses. Manufactured from corrosion-resistant materials they must provide protection to IP67 or higher to guard against contaminants. Reliable locking mechanisms are required to prevent accidental disconnection, ensure stable and secure electrical connections. They must provide low resistance and impedance to minimise loss and ensure efficient energy transmission. Connectors should prevent signal interference to maintain reliable data communication and employ electromagnetic shielding as required.

Compatibility of the electrical and mechanical specifications of the equipment is important to ensure easy integration and interchangeability. Industrial M12 and M8 automation connectors and cord sets produced by binder are a good choice offering IP67, IP68 & IP69K with coded variants for signal, power (AC & DC) plus high-speed data up to 10Gbit/s for Ethernet and PROFINET.

The future for AMHs

Robotics, machine vision, and RFID continues to make AMH even more efficient, cost effective, and sustainable. Industry 4.0, AI, and big data will transform systems with real-time data and intelligent decision-making allowing predictive maintenance, optimised workflows, and increased efficiency. AMH systems, will play an increasingly significant role in enabling intelligent, data-driven, and sustainable material handling processes.

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