As companies strive for greater efficiency in their warehouse operations, fixed machinery like conveyors are giving way to automated equipment that offer around-the-clock operation, strict controls of the movement of goods and materials, and labor savings. Driven by AI, their efficiency wouldn’t be possible without cables that connect key components and communicate important data to PLCs and warehouse management systems. This blog post will provide an overview of the connectivity needs of modern automated warehouse equipment and the cables that can fulfill them.

Typical Challenges for Cables in Automated Warehouse Applications

Intralogistical systems present a host of challenges that system designers must account for when specifying cables. To address them, look for cables with these attributes:

  • High flex life. Continuous, high-speed bending and torsional twisting are necessary for a variety of equipment, including robotic arms, conveyor systems and those that utilize cable tracks. Continuous flex cables withstand millions of bending and torsion cycles.

  • Durable jacket materials. Like most any industrial environment, automated warehouses expose cables to harsh conditions such as oil, abrasion and extreme temperatures.

  • Shielding. Cables must prevent signal interference from motors and other nearby electronics, which is especially important in equipment-dense warehouses. 

  • Compact sizes. Limited spaces call for small cable diameters and tight bending radii to consolidate cable layouts and optimize routing in cable tracks.

Cables for Automated Systems and Equipment

At SAB, we carry a broad lineup of cables that are ideally suited for automated systems and equipment typically found in warehouse operations. Here are the highlights of our cable products and the characteristics that make them attractive for various applications.

  • SABflex continuous flex cables. Designed and tested for up to 20 million cycles of X-Y flexing and alternate bending, this cable family’s applications range from heavy-duty power and control to ultra-sensitive data communications. Highlights include a tight 7.5 x d bending radius as well as good oil, chemical, weather and abrasion resistance thanks to polyurethane (PUR) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) jackets. Tinned copper braid shielded and flame-retardant versions are available.

  • SABcontrol cables. SAB Flexible Control Cables feature a tight bending radius and smaller diameters for versatility, and good corrosion resistance. Many PUR and thermoplastic elastomer (TPE)-type cables resist weather, oils and chemicals. The offering includes shielded and halogen-free versions. 

  • SABrobot torsion cables. These flexible robotic cables are designed to withstand twisting in robotic arms and other rotary motion applications. TPE and PUR jackets resist oils, abrasions and notching. Shielded and unshielded versions are available.

  • Motor connection cables. SAB’s range of motor cables include SAB VFD cables that reliably deliver power and signals to machines requiring precise speed regulation, such as conveyors. Foil- and copper-braided double shielding prevents electrical noise from interfering with sensitive components. Our durable cables resist oils, mechanical impacts and high temperatures. SABservo cables are desirable for closed-loop, continuous flexing applications such as robotics, gantries and AGVs and are made to withstand severe mechanical stresses and low temperatures.

  • Industrial Ethernet cables. Enabling fast and efficient data exchange, these extremely robust cables stand up to mechanical stress, oil, dust and temperature fluctuations while also providing reliable shielding. The line includes Category cables (CAT 5/Profinet, CAT 5e, CAT 6 & 6A, CAT 7A) for a multitude of applications: static, flexible, continuous flex, torsion and reeling. 

  • Festoon cables. With a flat profile that allows for stacked installation, SAB festoon cables are ideal for tight spaces. They feature excellent oil, UV and abrasion resistance, and come in shielded versions to meet the demands of mobile crane and conveyor systems.

  • Tray cables. Designed for flexibility and easy installation, SAB tray cables can be routed around tight bends and fit into confined spaces. The cables resist oils and humidity, and they come in shielded and unshielded versions. Applications include unit load robots and shuttles.

Meet Your Automated System’s Goals

The automated warehouse is replete with systems and components that require robust, reliable cables. Whether you need to establish real-time data exchange among components and control systems without interference, continuous flex cables for repetitive movement, Ethernet cables that can withstand harsh conditions, or easy-to-install cables for trays or festoons, SAB North America has a cable to help keep goods and materials on the move.


For more information, please download our brochure.