LISLE, IL, Aug 11, 2026 – Molex has introduced its MiniMix Hybrid Power and Signal Connectors, a 5.65mm-profile interconnect for humanoid robots, autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and industrial automation systems. The connector combines up to 15.0A power contacts with 1Gbps 1000BASE-T1 ethernet in one interface for actuator and joint assemblies with limited routing space.
“Humanoid robot manufacturers are rapidly moving from prototype builds to commercial mass production, but traditional joint wiring methods create major manufacturing bottlenecks,” said Brian Hauge, president and SVP, consumer and commercial solutions, Molex. “MiniMix replaces tedious manual assembly with an integrated solution for power and signal transmission, freeing robotics designers to build sleeker, lighter and more responsive autonomous systems at scale.”
Joint Wiring and Assembly Constraints
The connector is designed for multi-axis joints – such as wrists, elbows, knees, ankles and neck assemblies. These motion systems must route power and control data through narrow internal channels in actuators. In some cases, manufacturers route bare wires through the joint and hand-solder terminals during final assembly.
MiniMix supports pre-terminated cable assemblies that pass through internal actuator channels, articulated limbs, robotic joints and end-effectors. It is available in vertical and right-angle mating orientations. MiniMix requires up to 50% less routing area than alternative connector options. The mechanical design resists vibration and is intended for continuous motion and repeated flexing.
Actuator Applications and System Requirements
Molex cited a 2026 supply chain analysis by McKinsey & Company, that estimated joint actuator systems account for 40% to 60% of a humanoid robot’s total bill of materials (BOMs). Humanoid robots may use about 50 joint actuators.
Availability
Samples of the MiniMix Hybrid Power and Signal Connector are available for customer design-in and joint evaluation. Molex expects full commercial production to begin in late 2026.
Other Robotics Connector Products
Molex also identified its Mirror Mezz mezzanine connectors, quad-row connectors and High-Speed FAKRA-Mini interconnect system for Humanoid Robotic Systems. It identifies Mirror Mezz as a high-speed interface for AI compute platforms, including the NVIDIA Jetson Thor module. It lists Quad-Row and FAKRA-Mini connectors for spatial vision, LiDAR and tactile sensor arrays, and also identified Mega-Fit and EXTreme Ten60 connectors for robotics systems.
Source: Molex
About Molex
Molex is a U.S. electronics company that designs and manufactures connectors, cable assemblies, sensors, antennas, optical components, power products and printed circuit assemblies. The company serves customers in consumer devices, aerospace and defense, data centers, cloud infrastructure, telecommunications, transportation, industrial automation, health care and automotive markets. Frederick Krehbiel founded Molex in 1938 after developing an industrial plastic material. The company is headquartered in Lisle, IL, and operates as a Koch company. Molex provides product design support, manufacturing, supply chain support and technical resources for electronics manufacturers. Engineers, purchasing teams and product developers use its components in electronic systems and equipment. Molex employs more than 50,000 people worldwide and operates in more than 40 countries.
