Industrial Automation branch INA 
At Hannover Messe 2023, Stäubli will introduce a smart electrical connector concept “Connector 4.0” based on the CombiTac modular connector. At the Fair, the “Connector 4.0” is integrated into a matrix production unit of Fraunhofer IOSB-INA.
The matrix production unit consists of a multifunctional robot arm mounted on an automated guided vehicle (AGV) system. This unit can autonomously carry out logistics processes in a production environment or support people in these processes. The system can also be used as a collaborative assistance system for various assembly processes. The modular combination of these two universally usable systems with simultaneous intuitive operability without high programming effort is a good example of low-threshold technology use, especially in medium-sized companies.
The “Connector 4.0” brings the latest trends in industrialization of data remote monitoring, predictive maintenance and reduce equipment downtime. This technology not only offers seamless connectivity and identification, but also comes with built-in sensors designed to measure a wide range of physical parameters, including temperature, pressure, humidity, vibration and more. With these sensors integrated into the connector, together with their digital twins in the cloud, make the electrical connectors “Industry 4.0 ready”. This technology allows tracking the performance of the industrial processes and equipment, optimize the energy consumption, and ensure the safety of operators.
The Connector 4.0 is compatible with the latest Industry 4.0 technologies and standards (Digital Twin AAS under IDTA) and made available interoperability for further innovative value creation. The digital twins of the 4 CombiTac connectors on site show the status of the CombiTacs and the performance of the equipment where are installed based on the sensor values.
The live data is processed and displayed in the Stäubli plug-and-play console use case-specifically, and Fraunhofer's AAS portal is presented on another monitor: on the one hand as a viewer for digital nameplates, time series and much more – at the same time the simple editability - and configurability of the Assets is demonstrated in the Portal.
“The CombiTac was chosen because of its modularity and using different modules such as data, signal, power which are used in a variety of different industrial, railway and medical applications where data monitoring can significantly improve the efficiency of operation” Said Dr. Ana Gago, team manager R&D Digitalization at Staubli EC.
"Digital Twins, as a key component for an adaptive, resource-efficient and user-friendly Industry 4.0, integrate master data, histories and the current states of the CombiTacs in the field and make them available immediately, bundled and interoperable for the subsequent data-driven services." said Dr. Magnus Redeker, Digital Twin and Industry 4.0 expert at Fraunhofer IOSB-INA.