In 2020, Micropol introduced an motorized cable drum especially designed for fiber optic cable connection in harsh environments. The system has over the two years since introduction gained increasing interest and new systems are continuously delivered.
In situations where operations need to be performed with risk to personal health and safety, robots are sometimes used to minimize the risk for injuries. Radio controlled robots are often used, but under extreme conditions, below ground level or in radioactive environments, threaded communication is a must to limit risks for non-communication due to for example radiation. The possibility to operate under radio silence is also important for military customers, to avoid detection.
The Micropol cable drum secures a safe management of the cable during operations, without limiting the maneuverability. The cable drum automatically distributes the cable depending on the robots movement forward or backward. The cable used is identical to the one Micropol delivers to the SAF, which has an impressive specification, allowing the cable to bend more than 15.000.000 times at radius 30 mm and to hang free for 2000 m with proportions and optical performance intact. The system utilizes Micropol’s FALCON technology, a compact expanded beam contact with the world’s best optical performance. The FALCON is the perfect fit, as it is specified to be operational under the most demanding environments existing. The first customer, who has asked for anonymity, was a global Sweden based company, specialized in robots for harsh environments. The major products are designated for construction demolition, but the Defence & Security sector is also an important customer segment, just as it is for Micropol.
“This project is a typical example on how Micropol is cooperating with it’s customers to create value in new segments” says Mikael Andersson, Director R&D at Micropol. “We are often asked to solve problems that has challenged engineers and traditional suppliers. We offer more than 30 years of experience within the field of passive fiber optics to our customers and there are few problems which we cannot offer a solution to. The fact that we operate our own full-scale production, clean room environment and R&D laboratory, is of course also important factors.”
If you want to know more about the motorized cable drum, please don't hesitate to contact any of our Regional Sales Managers Contact | Micropol
Micropol Fiberoptic has signed a framework agreement with BAE Systems Hägglunds for the delivery of field tactical fiber optic communication systems. In relation to the signing, BAE Systems Hägglunds has placed significant orders with Micropol Fiberoptic for deliveries up to and including 2026.
Micropol has together with Chalmers University of Technology and Swedish Defense Material Administration during the OFC conference in San Diego demonstrated a joint research project.
Mikael Andersson, R&D Director, Micropol Fiberoptics , at the OFC Conference in San Diego, California, presenting a new project.