JAE has introduced the KN07 Series, a compact composite connector family for industrial and collaborative robots that combines power and signal contacts inside a smaller rounded housing. The series is aimed at factory automation equipment where shrinking robot dimensions, tighter installation spaces, and closer human interaction are all starting to influence connector design as much as electrical performance itself.
The KN07 Series is a waterproof composite connector system combining power and signal transmission for industrial equipment and robotic platforms. Depending on the configuration, the connectors support up to 72 contacts with both 10 A power lines and high-density signal contacts integrated into the same interface.
That becomes increasingly relevant in collaborative robots and compact automation equipment where routing space around joints, actuators, and moving cable assemblies is limited. Larger rectangular industrial connectors can quickly become awkward once robots are expected to move inside tighter workspaces or operate alongside people.
Connector Size and Shape Matter More in Collaborative Robots
One of the more noticeable changes in the KN07 Series is the housing itself. Instead of using a more traditional rectangular industrial connector body, JAE has gone with a rounded profile intended to better suit collaborative robotic systems. In collaborative robots, external hardware becomes part of the physical interaction space around the machine. Cable routing, exposed interfaces, and connector placement all affect how easily a robot can move around operators, fixtures, and nearby equipment without snagging or occupying unnecessary space.
JAE says the KN07 Series reduces both mounting footprint and overall connector volume compared to conventional rectangular connector systems used in similar applications. The connector family is intended for small- to medium-sized industrial robots, automated machinery, machine tools, and semiconductor manufacturing equipment.
Mixed Power and Signal Contacts in a Single Interface
The KN07 Series combines 32 power contacts and 40 signal contacts in its largest configuration, allowing power delivery and signal routing to share the same connector interface.
Power contacts support up to 10 A per position at 250 V AC, while signal contacts are rated for 4 A per position at 50 V DC. The connectors support crimp termination and accommodate cable diameters from 22.3 mm to 23.3 mm. Using a combined connector can help reduce cable count and simplify routing around robotic joints and moving assemblies where separate power and signal connectors would otherwise consume additional space and cable management hardware.
The connectors are rated IP67 for dust and water protection and are designed for environments where vibration resistance and environmental sealing are required.
One-Touch Locking Simplifies Installation
JAE has also focused on mating and serviceability with a one-touch push-lock mechanism that allows the plug and receptacle to mate through direct insertion. The locking system provides tactile feedback during connection while still allowing relatively simple removal during maintenance or servicing. That matters in factory automation equipment where connectors may need to be accessed in confined spaces or removed repeatedly during assembly and maintenance work.
The KN07 Series supports operating temperatures from -10 °C to +85 °C, including temperature rise caused by current loading. The connectors use copper alloy contacts with gold plating and aluminum alloy housings finished with black electrocoating.
JAE says the series is certified to cULus and TÜV standards.
Learn more and read the original announcement at www.jae.com
Technology Overview
The JAE KN07 Series is a compact composite connector family for industrial robots and factory automation equipment. The connectors combine up to 32 power contacts and 40 signal contacts within a single IP67-rated interface supporting one-touch push-lock mating. Power contacts support up to 10 A at 250 V AC, while signal contacts support 4 A at 50 V DC.
Frequently Asked Questions
What applications is the JAE KN07 Series designed for?
The KN07 Series targets industrial robots, collaborative robots, automated machinery, machine tools, and semiconductor manufacturing equipment.
How many contacts does the KN07 Series support?
The series supports configurations with up to 72 contacts combining both power and signal connections.
What environmental rating does the KN07 Series provide?
The connectors are rated IP67 for dust and water protection and are designed for vibration-resistant industrial environments.
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