Robotics in Focus: Components and Solutions for the Next Generation of Intelligent Machines
Robotics is one of the most dynamic growth areas in electronic engineering. Whether in industrial manufacturing, logistics, or collaborative applications – modern robotic systems place the highest demands on power electronics, communication, sensing, and computing performance.
As a design-in distributor, Ineltek brings the technologies of leading manufacturers together into a comprehensive portfolio that supports developers from power supply through data connectivity and environmental perception to central processing. The four functional domains – Power, Connect, Sensors, and Computing – form the foundation of every robotic system architecture.
Power – Efficient Energy Supply from PSU to Actuator
Robot drives, servo axes, and control electronics require a reliable power supply across a wide range of voltage levels
For developers who prefer a ready-made solution, P-DUKE offers a comprehensive range of DC/DC and AC/DC converter modules with integrated protection functions – ideal for significantly reducing development time.
Connect – Reliable Data Transmission in Harsh Environments
Control data, sensor readings, and status messages in robotic systems must be transmitted securely and in real time via industrial-grade interfaces. Novosense, 3PEAK and HopeRF provide isolated interface transceivers for common standards such as RS-485 and CAN. The galvanic isolation protects downstream electronics from common-mode interference and ground loops, which frequently occur in environments with high-powe drives.
For high-speed video connectivity, Inova Semiconductors offers APIX – a technology for transmitting high-resolution camera data to a central processing unit over a single twisted pair cable – a key advantage in reducing cable weight and system complexity in robotic arms.
On the physical connection level, Attend supplies industry-standard connectors, including robust M8- and M12 circular connectors designed for harsh environments subject to vibration, moisture, and temperature fluctuations.
Sensors – The Robot’s Eyes, Balance, and Sense of Touch
Sensing gives a robot the ability to perceive its environment and interact with it precisely. Nuvoton supplies image sensors for 2D capture as well as 3D time-of-flight (ToF) sensors for direct depth measurement – particularly valuable for obstacle detection, navigation, and real-time object dimensioning. Shikino High-Tech complements this with ready-to-use camera modules, including intelligent modules with integrated processors designed for executing AI-driven algorithms directly on the module. This edge AI capability offloads the central controller and enables faster response times.
Epson sets the benchmark with highly sensitive Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs): Gyroscopes and accelerometers combined and calibrated with exceptional resolution and stability allow the movements of robotic arms to be tracked and controlled with precision.
Novosense extends the sensor portfolio with environmental and pressure sensors, the latter enabling precise pressure regulation in pneumatic grippers and actuators. In addition, the portfolio of magnet sensors provides the ideal foundation for implementing rotary encoders for motor control.
Computing – The Brain of the Robot
All sensor data and control tasks converge in the central processing unit. Advantech provides industrial single-board computers (SBCs) and compute modules equipped with powerful processors, extensive interfaces, and a rugged design for 24/7 operation in demanding environments – from path planning and image processing to multi-axis coordination.
Nuvoton offers high-performance microcontrollers and microprocessors that serve as real-time cores in control subsystems, safety monitors, or dedicated I/O controllers. In addition, Nuvoton’s KM1M4 and KM1M7 families provide specialized motor-control MCUs with integrated motor drive peripherals for the precise control of BLDC and servo motors in robotic joints.
Holtek rounds out the offering with cost-optimized motor control MCUs, specifically designed for the efficient driving of BLDC, stepper, and servo motors, mapping the actuator level directly onto the controller level.
Conclusion
The diversity of requirements in robotics calls for an equally diverse component portfolio. Ineltek combines the strengths of Magnachip, Bruckewell, and P-DUKE (Power), Novosense, 3PEAK, HopeRF, Inova, and Attend (Connect), Nuvoton, Shikino, Epson, and Novosense (Sensors), as well as Advantech, Nuvoton, and Holtek (Computing) into one cohesive offering. Developers benefit from Ineltek’s design-in expertise and direct access to the manufacturers’ technology specialists – for accelerated development and a stable supply chain through to series production.
Please reach out to our team – we’d be happy to answer any questions you have about components and solutions for various areas of robotics. Contact the representative in your region directly or submit your inquiry here.
