If only it had a Brain
Artificial Intelligence at the edge
Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the way we live. It’s making significant advancements in the transportation, manufacturing, medical, service and consumer markets, to name just a few of the industries that are feeling the impact. AI at the Edge, in which algorithms are processed on a device, such as a tablet or phone, rather than using the cloud, presents endless possibilities. It will reduce costs, improve decision making, assist in the creation of new technologies, and even has the potential to help save lives
AI - how does Molex fit?
Molex is known in the industry as an innovative electronic components and solutions provider — we help our customers create pioneering electronic solutions. Why is this important to AI designs? Because at the end of the day, a system is only as strong as its weakest signal connection. If a chip is not receiving power or a signal connection is not reliable, the application won’t receive the power or data transmission it’s depending on to function. How you connect things is important to the reliability of the device.
Another consideration is bandwidth. AI applications, especially cameras and sensors, involve a lot of data. Interconnects can be a huge bottleneck to the delivery of this data if not designed properly. We don’t necessarily bring AI algorithms to the table, but Molex enables these technologies to perform at their best.
Molex is helping automotive manufacturers engineer tomorrow’s vehicles with innovative end-to-end solutions for connected vehicles and automated driving. We design solutions that enable telematics, Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X), Firmware Over-the-Air (FOTA) security, and are paving the way with 5G solutions along with high-speed data in emerging vehicle architectures.
In the industrial market, Molex plays a key role in the industrial internet of things (IIoT) and the transformation of manufacturing to thrive in the technological future. On the plant floor, Molex solutions are used in robotics, power and motors, wireless applications, communication and control, and connectivity. Our sensors, antennas, RF, micro board-to-board connectors, along with industrial products such as the M8 and M12 connectors and cordsets help keep manufacturing lines running because of our knowledge and expertise in integrated connector solutions.
This is an exciting time for the development and implementation of AI innovations. Molex delivers electronic solutions and capabilities for these next-generation advancements that will enhance our lives. From self-driving cars to collaborative robots (cobots) on the plant floor, the future of AI is here, and Molex is ready to support your designs.
Advancements in machine learning, robotics, facial recognition and voice assistance mean that AI is now very much a reality. AI is making it possible for machines to perform preventive maintenance and human-like tasks, with the ability to learn from experience and adjust to new information. With products such as wireless antennas, FFC and board-to-board connectors, Molex helps enable AI industrial applications that protect humans from dangerous work environments and prevent injuries. For example, in hazardous environments, Molex miniature board-to-board connectors can be used in drones for high-risk applications. Additionally, cobots are now working along-side humans to help with activities that require repetitive motions or heavy lifting, reducing the risk of strains and other injuries.
On the manufacturing floor, higher resolution displays require increased EMI and signal integrity performance. Robust and high-speed connectors are required to meet these high-performance demands. Molex FFC/FPC connectors deliver both high reliability and speedy data rates, along with options meeting 125°C operating temperature requirements. Wireless applications need antennas, and Molex offers RF antennas for all common protocols and frequencies.
The next wave of features propelled by AI will require higher circuit density for PCB and flex assemblies within the same application profile. This will drive more modularity, while simultaneously increasing low-profile connector demand. Molex is ready to provide innovative solutions that offer both design flexibility and high-performance reliability.
Micro-lock plus
3-in-1 external antennas
FFC/FPC easy-on connectors - FD19 front flip
Floating board-to-board slimstack FSB5 connector
AI is transforming the transportation market. From driver safety devices, traffic control and assistance with finding parking spots to truck fleet organization and cost savings for container ships, AI will provide more efficient and safer ways to move us forward.
Automotive and commercial vehicle OEMs need to pack more sensor and connectors into advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) modules to support autonomous driving, while simultaneously reducing available PCB footprint space. While Molex is not directly designing AI applications, we are an integral contributor by suppling the board-to-board and signal interconnects that bring power and signals to the sensors and devices that drive AI systems.
OEMs today need more bandwidth for sending data or video from camera/sensor inputs in new self-driving vehicles. This increases the need for high-speed signals, and Molex provides products that support the performance of these devices. Designers also require connector systems that are compact, robust and reliable. Molex offers connectors that have small pitch sizes, positive latches and can withstand harsh environments.
As the needs in the transportation market evolve into more complex ecosystems with tighter space requirements, customers will require multiple types of connectors and cables that can help maximize electrical performance. Molex provides customers with design flexibility, including unsealed, sealed and in-line connectors, and in right-angle and vertical PCB configurations.
