Automated systems offer unprecedented efficiency and precision, but they are only as good as the data and control cables that must endure the long distances, repetitive movement, torsional stresses and signal interference threats that typically occur in industrial applications. That means the cables must offer superior flexibility, robust construction, signal integrity and reliability — areas where conventional and drag chain cables frequently underperform. This blog post will describe the features to look for in long-distance data and control cables for automated manufacturing and robotics equipment, and it will introduce you to a new class of cables that offers them.

Key Features for Data and Control Cables in Automated and Robotic Systems

When specifying cables for your industrial automation or robotic system, it’s important to keep the following considerations in mind:

  • Flexibility and mechanical robustness. The continuous high-speed movement of automated systems and robots — often involving simultaneous twisting and bending — imposes stresses too severe and complex for conventional or drag chain cables, which are limited to linear or 2D movements.

  • Advanced signal integrity. Long cables in sensitive control and automation systems often have unwanted coupling and higher leakage currents, hindering data exchange needed for real-time communication.

  • Environmental and operational resilience. Cables must resist typically harsh industrial conditions such as chemicals, oils and temperature extremes. In case of a fire, they cannot emit smoke or toxins and must self-extinguish.

SAB offers these characteristics in a long-distance cable. SABdynamic 900 Data, 900 Control, 910 Data and 910 Control cables combine advanced mechanical durability with low-capacitance to achieve high flexibility, robustness and signal integrity for cable track systems and robotics without sacrificing reliability under extreme motion stress. They feature a low-capacitance insulation that minimizes unwanted coupling and leakage currents in control cables while a SABIX insulation sheath eliminates interference and lost data in data versions. Additional features and characteristics include:

  • Ability to withstand extreme torsional stresses of up to ±360/meter over more than 5 million cycles.

  • Rugged polyurethane (PUR) jacket.

  • Halogen-free SABIX insulation for low smoke and toxin prevention.

  • Oil, chemical and abrasion resistance.

  • UL/cUL and CSA approvals.

Another highlight of the SAB continuous flex cable family — SD 960 and SD 960 P data cables with PVC insulation — provide exceptional mechanical and environmental resistance characteristics for woodworking and packaging applications.

Ensure Performance and Reliability in High-Flex Applications 

Conventional drag chain data and control cables often have insufficient flexibility and durability, or they simply lack the right materials to ensure signal quality that today’s automated systems demand. SABdynamic S 900 and S 910 cables are constructed to address a host of conditions that can otherwise affect performance and reliability in these critical systems. The SABdynamic cable lineup delivers this assurance and comes in a variety of sizes to match your needs. 


For more information, please visit our product page.