Does a Robot Need Flexible Cables? What Are the Differences Between Cable Types?

Okay, Vex, pull yourself together.
In case of robots, the cables connected to the motor will also move in conjunction with the movements of the robot.
Standard cables can break prematurely if it is used in this way, but flexible cables are designed to handle complex movements.
So, even in applications where they are bent or twisted, they won't break so easily.

In what way are they designed?

Some of the innovations include reducing the diameter of the copper wire to increase the number of wires in the cable, or inserting an inclusion in the center of the cable and arrange the lead wires in a spiral around it.
As a result, the load placed on the copper wire when the cable is bent is kept to a minimum.
We have actually tested it and have confirmed that it can withstand 2 million round-trip cycles in each test.

I see, so these are the kinds of tests we’re doing.
Now I know that for robots, as long as I select a flexible cable, all is OK!

Wait a minute, Vex.
There's one more thing that's very important to remember when using flexible cables. When using flexible cables, it is very important to install them correctly.

Install them correctly...?

That's right, if you don't install it correctly, stress can be applied to the connector and terminals, causing poor contact and disconnection.
It is especially difficult to detect abnormalities when the extension distance is long, so it is important to take measures from the beginning.
You should keep three points in mind, as shown in the diagram.

(1) Fix the connector in two places to prevent it from moving
(2) Fix the cable so that it will not be pulled even if it moves
(3) Bending radius should be at least 6 times the cable diameter

It means that it is important to install the flexible cables with no load placed on it.

That's right. Also, no matter how flexible the cable is, if you use it for a long period of time, it will eventually break.
If the cable is long, it will be difficult to replace it.
Therefore, it is recommended to use a standard cable for the non-flexing part (1) and a flexible cable only for the flexing part (2).

This is because only the flexible cables need to be replaced during the maintenance. I learned a lot!

Did you understand that selecting and using the equipment correctly can improve its reliability?

Yes! From now on, I will be able to offer more than just introducing.

Good luck!