As time marches forward and technologies become more advanced, the future for cable management is expected to become more refined by leaps and bounds. Among innovations, experts predict:
MORE TECHNOLOGIES WILL GO WIRELESS.
The irony of wire organization is though there will be an increase in the number of devices and electronics, fewer cables are expected to be a part of the equation. That’s because data transmission continues to evolve as wireless. This will certainly have an impact on cable management as it will create the need to organize a smaller number of wires, which will additionally mitigate the appearance of cable clutter. But wire organization’s other role will increasingly be to ensure top-of-the-line transmission.
This trend has emerged already with wireless chargers, like the WireRun® Reverie™ and Fantasy™. One of these charging stations can be placed on a desk or in a vehicle, where a Qi device can sit on its charging pad. Both the Reverie™ and Fantasy™ have lights that show the device’s charging status. The WireRun®Utopia™ In-Desk Wireless Charger can be built into a table, counter, or other surface where a grommet would typically go, while cords stay hidden underneath.
CABLE MANAGEMENT WILL BECOME “SMARTER.”
There are more “smart” devices around, including phones, thermostats, sensors, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices. These items support smart technology and are expected to monitor the equipment better. In the future, it is anticipated cables will be tracked for their overall performance, with faults detected if there is a decline. Energy efficiency and real-time data on power consumption are also anticipated to be priorities within smart systems.
MORE CABLES WILL BE FLEXIBLE WITH “SELF-HEALING” CAPABILITIES.
There will be a greater prominence of self-healing cables, which are made of materials that have elasticity. When these are cut, these types of wires are designed to repair themselves and continue functioning. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is already using this technology, with patents for self-healing polymers, and wire insulation.
MAINTENANCE TO BE PERFORMED USING AUGMENTED REALITY.
Augmented Reality (AR) programs are already in place within some industries and are expected to become more widely used. With just a few touches of buttons on a phone or iPad, the program scans equipment. Diagnostics and other information about the analyzed equipment are then displayed. This type of technology can walk technicians safely through repairs, using computer-generated images and live video. Some AR repair equipment may have capabilities to review historical data and include offsite experts to consult on the project.
INCREASED MODULAR CABLE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES.
Modular cable management features components that can be added or taken out of a system, without impacting its infrastructure. A modular system is helpful in areas where a system is expected to experience growth. This can include connectors that plug and unplug with ease, modular support systems that adapt to different equipment, and scalable items that accommodate new components or cables. Modular systems allow for targeted updates, which can save on labor costs and materials. It can additionally be better for the environment because updates are staggered, with only some items replaced, while other parts are spared.
THE USE OF ENERGY HARVESTING OR ENERGY SCAVENGING CABLES.
This green and sustainable technology encourages power sources to gather electricity, store it, and convert it into a usable form. While energy is mainly first harvested with sensors and devices, it is then stored in capacitors and batteries. But as the world seeks ways to rely more on sustainable practices, like solar, wind, and thermoelectric energy scavenging, energy harvesting cables are expected to scavenge energy vibrations, ambient light, heat differentials, and via other methods, which will be made into a usable form to generate electrical power. Energy harvesting has positive benefits for the device too, helping to lengthen its lifespan, while lessening the need for battery replacements.
A GREATER NUMBER OF ECO-FRIENDLY CABLES.
Sustainable wires are already on the market, but more materials are under development for use within cable components. The IGUS® Chainflex® TPE Multimode Fiber Optic Cable, for example, is one type available at CableOrganizer®. TPE stands for “thermoplastic elastomers,” which are typically recyclable, and known for having a reduced environmental impact because of their lower processing temperatures. They are lightweight which promotes less material waste and are said to last longer.
A RISE IN ADVANCED CABLE ROUTING AND CONCEALMENT SOLUTIONS.
While cable trays are a solution that came into existence around the mid 20th century, they have evolved over time. Initially made of heavier materials, today’s cable trays — whether under a desk or a Snake Tray® that winds around a room — are constructed of lighter components than they had been in the past. That trend is anticipated to continue, as there are now cable raceway varieties that snap together, housing cable harnesses within a lightweight, flexible system. Many types hang with self-sticking adhesives, while others can be screwed into place. The WireRun® Snapper Raceway has various accessories like elbows and corners, to take the channel around bends. This system can be painted to match your décor. Premiere Raceway On-A-Roll™ comes in a compact box that can be easily shipped and stored. It is simple to apply and hangs with adhesive backing. The EZ Hidewire Raceway on a Spool is a durable, customizable, lightweight plastic system that can be cut with scissors and is preferable for temporary runs. The raceway roll types are environmentally kinder because they can be trimmed to size, which reduces waste. Experts predict wire routing will only become more streamlined, appearing inconspicuous to blend into furniture and walls, and designed in a way that maintains visual harmony without cables interrupting the look of the landscape. This is crucial in both commercial and residential settings, as technologies in buildings become increasingly “smarter” and cable management even more necessary, to clean up the look of remaining cables.
MORE CABLE MANAGEMENT REQUIRED FOR 5G NETWORKS AND EDGE COMPUTING.
With fifth generation wireless technology, best known as “5G,” and edge computing (networks closer to the user), cable management becomes even more crucial, to optimize cable paths. This maintains high-speed data transfers and lessens signal loss, as fiber optic cables with high bandwidth capabilities become more commonly used. Edge computing features network configurations that may be decentralized, and often include more mission-critical applications. With greater security required in both 5G and edge computing environments to prevent sensitive data from being tampered with, cable management strategies will need to differ to protect cables and wires associated with these systems.
