Traditional Control Cabinet Wiring Faces Dual Challenges of Efficiency and Sustainability
In the field of industrial automation, traditional control cabinet wiring has long relied on complex cable bundles to connect motor starters, sensors, circuit breakers, and other components. Manual wiring not only consumes significant time (requiring over 20 hours to assemble a single control cabinet) but is also prone to errors such as incorrect connections, mismatched labels, and missed connections, leading to rework and material waste. As global manufacturing transitions toward intelligence and green production, simplifying wiring processes and reducing resource consumption have become urgent industry demands.

Rockwell Automation Launches ALLEN BRADLEY In-Cabinet Ethernet/IP System, Boosting Wiring Efficiency by 80%
Rockwell Automation (NYSE: ROK), a global leader in industrial automation, recently introduced an innovative solution under its Allen-Bradley brand: the In-Cabinet Ethernet/IP system. By replacing traditional hardwiring with a single pair of Ethernet cables, the system enables networked power supply and communication across all devices, reducing wiring time by over 80% and significantly cutting copper and plastic usage.

Real-world testing by Brazilian partner Volga revealed that control cabinet assembly time dropped from 20 hours to under 7 hours after adopting the system, marking a 66% efficiency improvement. Volga Commercial Director Carlos Leopoldo praised its usability and connection reliability, stating, "The team reports it's remarkably easy to use and far exceeds expectations in stability."

Modular Architecture Reshapes Industrial Connectivity Paradigm, Advancing Full-Lifecycle Sustainability
Rockwell's solution goes beyond assembly efficiency, employing 7-core flat media cables to create a scalable backbone network architecture. This design reduces control cabinet volume by 36% and weight by 32%, directly lowering material consumption in manufacturing and transportation. Its modular nature supports iterative upgrades on demand, avoiding costly overhauls of legacy systems and embedding green manufacturing principles across the entire lifecycle—from design to retirement.

As a benchmark for integrating industrial automation and information technology, Rockwell Automation (owner of flagship brands like Allen-Bradley and FactoryTalk) reaffirms its technological leadership with this breakthrough. The company serves over 20 industries, including automotive and life sciences, offering end-to-end solutions spanning PLCs (e.g., AB MicroLogix 1500), drives (AB PowerFlex 7000 series), and software. The launch of the Ethernet/IP in-cabinet system signifies a pivotal shift from "mechanical hardware" to "intelligent network nodes" in industrial equipment connectivity, providing critical infrastructure for smart factory development.

Rockwell Automation's Global Marketing Director commented, "This technology is more than an efficiency tool—it's a cornerstone of Industrial 4.0 connectivity. Through standardized protocols and data-driven design, devices will achieve self-optimization and cross-domain collaboration." As the Allen-Bradley brand continues to drive digital transformation in manufacturing, the intelligent leap of control cabinets reflects the broader evolution of global industry.