# How Humanoid Robot Actuators Connect with a Smart Wire Assembly > This patent describes a specific way to connect two moving parts (actuators) in a humanoid robot using a wire bundle that routes through openings and connects to circuit boards with different numbers of pins. - **Patent:** US 12734717 - **Original title:** Humanoid robot with advanced wiring assembly - **Granted:** 2026 - **Status:** Active - **Times cited:** 0 - **Field:** robotics, mechanical, consumer_electronics ## What it does This patent details an advanced wiring assembly for humanoid robots, specifically connecting a first actuator to a second actuator. The first actuator includes a printed circuit board (PCB) with a set of pins and an opening for the wire bundle. The second actuator also has a PCB with its own set of pins. A key feature is that the first PCB's pins are greater in number than the second PCB's pins. The wire bundle has connectors at each end that plug into these PCBs, and the wires are carefully routed through an opening in the first actuator and another opening in its cover. For example, this system could connect a robot's shoulder joint actuator to its elbow joint actuator, ensuring reliable power and data transfer while managing the wiring neatly within the robot's structure. ## What it does NOT cover - Does not cover wiring assemblies that connect more than two actuators together. - Does not cover wiring where the second actuator's PCB has an equal or greater number of pins than the first actuator's PCB. - Does not cover wire bundles that are routed externally or through openings not specifically part of the first actuator's body or cover. - Does not cover general electrical connections within a robot that do not specifically interconnect two actuators via a dedicated wire bundle and PCB terminals. ## The clever bit The novelty lies in the specific configuration of the wire bundle, the differing pin counts between the two connected actuators' circuit boards, and the precise routing through internal openings. This design likely aims to create a more compact, robust, or efficient connection, potentially simplifying assembly or improving longevity in moving robot parts. ## Real-world examples 1. Boston Dynamics' Atlas robot 2. Agility Robotics' Digit robot 3. Sanctuary AI's Phoenix robot 4. Tesla Bot (Optimus) 5. Most modern humanoid robot prototypes ## Why it matters Reliable and compact wiring is crucial for humanoid robots to move smoothly and perform complex tasks without wires snagging or breaking. This type of advanced wiring assembly aims to improve the durability and functionality of robot joints. By carefully designing how wires are routed and connected, it helps reduce wear and tear, making robots more robust for real-world applications. ## Frequently asked questions ### What does How Humanoid Robot Actuators Connect with a Smart Wire Assembly cover? This patent describes a specific way to connect two moving parts (actuators) in a humanoid robot using a wire bundle that routes through openings and connects to circuit boards with different numbers of pins. ### When does this patent expire? This patent is expected to expire on September 15, 2046, when the invention enters the public domain. ### What problem does this patent solve? Reliable and compact wiring is crucial for humanoid robots to move smoothly and perform complex tasks without wires snagging or breaking. This type of advanced wiring assembly aims to improve the durability and functionality of robot joints. By carefully designing how wires are routed and connected, it helps reduce wear and tear, making robots more robust for real-world applications. ### What does this patent NOT cover? Does not cover wiring assemblies that connect more than two actuators together. **Full plain-English explainer:** https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/12734717/humanoid-robot-with-advanced-wiring-assembly **Original patent:** https://patents.google.com/patent/US12734717 --- _Source: PatentBrief — https://patentbrief.org. Patent facts are from public records; the plain-English explanation is PatentBrief's._ ## Related patents Semantically similar inventions in the PatentBrief corpus: - [Robot Design for Carrying Objects While Walking](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/12246441/torso-protrusion-for-robotic-manipulation-of-objects-and-related-technology) — This patent describes a robot with a torso, legs, arms, and a special forward-extending protrusion designed to help it carry objects while it walks. - [How a Robot Actuator Controls Force and Speed with Gears](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/8209052/high-performance-differential-actuator-for-robotic-interaction-tasks) — This patent describes a compact robot actuator that uses a special gear system and two motors with different electrical resistance to precisely control both the force and speed applied to a robotic arm or tool. - [Removable Protective Cap for Robot Arm Parts](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/12736122/cap-for-a-robot-arm) — This patent describes a cap designed to be easily attached and removed from a robot arm element, using a clever system of interlocking shapes and a flexible part to hold it securely. - [Exoskeleton Shoulder Joint That Adapts to Your Arm's Movement](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/10814473/mechanism-for-alleviating-the-effects-of-joint-misalignment-between-users-and-we) — This patent describes a shoulder exoskeleton that uses a special slip mechanism to prevent the robot's joints from getting out of sync with a user's natural arm movements, making it more comfortable and effective. - [How a Robotic Exoskeleton Helps Your Shoulder Move](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/10800031/spherical-parallel-manipulator-architecture-for-shoulder-robotic-exoskeleton) — This patent describes a robotic shoulder exoskeleton using multiple straight-moving actuators arranged in a "spherical parallel manipulator" to assist or rehabilitate arm movements while preventing joint misalignment.