Industrial Automation Embraces Innovation: Electromagnetic Relays and PCB Relays Drive New Wave of Smart Manufacturing

As Industry 4.0 continues to advance, electromagnetic relays, core components in industrial automation control, are rapidly evolving toward miniaturization and high reliability. Recently, multiple companies announced breakthroughs in electromagnetic relay technology and production line optimization, further accelerating the intelligent upgrade of industrial automation equipment.

In high-end manufacturing, PCB relays (printed circuit board relays) have emerged as critical components due to their compact design. For instance, Omron’s G6DN series relay, with a width of just 5mm and power consumption as low as 110mW, supports high-current switching up to 5A and enables dense installation on PCBs, significantly enhancing the integration and efficiency of PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers). TE Connectivity’s newly launched SR4 series relays, produced at its Shenzhen plant, feature a forced-guided contact structure certified to international safety standards (e.g., IEC 61508-2), making them ideal for industrial robots and AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles) requiring stringent safety compliance.

The technical advantages of electromagnetic relays are particularly prominent in industrial automation. Driven by electromagnetic systems, these relays control high-power loads (e.g., motors, heaters) while enabling complex logic signal transmission, solidifying their role as indispensable components in PLC systems. For example, a chemical plant saved nearly 1 million yuan in maintenance costs over three years by replacing high-cost radar equipment with an electrode-based liquid level control system built around electromagnetic relays, highlighting their stability and cost-effectiveness.

Industry analysts emphasize that future electromagnetic relays must integrate low power consumption, high compatibility, and smart functionalities. As Chinese manufacturers like Hongfa Co., Ltd. expand overseas and global giants like TE Connectivity deepen localized production, the electromagnetic relay supply chain is evolving into a dual-driven model of "technology export + localized innovation," delivering more efficient solutions for global industrial automation.

These advancements underscore that electromagnetic relays and PCB relays will remain pivotal in industrial automation, propelling smart manufacturing toward higher precision, safety, and reliability.