MOLEX STORYBOARD FOR DISTRIBUTION 2026
What seemed like an emerging concept just a few short years ago has become an indispensable component of business infrastructure by the end of 2025. Undoubtedly, the explosive growth of AI was the dominant story of the past 12 months.
The aerospace and defense sectors also saw strong growth, propelled by rising geopolitical tensions, increased government spending and a resurgence in air travel.
Will these trends continue in 2026? All signs point to yes, though circumstances can change rapidly.
Whatever lies on the horizon in 2026 and beyond, one certainty remains: We will be better equipped to navigate the coming challenges by working together. We look forward to collaborating with our distribution network to share ideas, pool resources, and develop sales and marketing strategies. Our combined strengths will provide us with the tools necessary to make 2026 a resounding success.
FOCUS INDUSTRIES
The world is too diverse and expansive for a handful of technologies to tell the entire story. In 2026, we will also see advancements in energy storage, automotive technology and more. Within the space of connector technology, the most significant progress will focus on miniaturization and performance in harsh environments.
Explore our storyboard to discover how Molex solutions and technologies demonstrate the agility required to adapt to the trends and innovations redefining our key industries and emerging markets. You will also find the latest resources and product priorities designed to strengthen our collaboration in the year ahead.
Aerospace and Defense
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Energy Storage
Automotive and Beyond
TRENDS
Miniaturization
Performance in harsh environments
Resources and Supporting Materials
Acquisitions
Application tear-down graphics
Blogs, articles and product spotlight videos
Industry brochures and product datasheets
Interactive digital tools
Learning Locker and sales tools
AEROSPACE AND DEFENSE
The aerospace and defense sectors are continuously advancing, creating fresh requirements for connector technologies. Rugged and reliable are more than just marketing buzzwords; they are the defining characteristics of these sectors. As these fields encounter increasingly intricate challenges, connectors must do more than endure tough environments. They need to deliver consistent, high-level performance even under extreme stress with a zero-failure rate.
FEATURED PRODUCTS
AirBorn W Series Rectangular PCB Connectors
AirBorn Micro-D Connectors
Fiber Optic Connectors and Adapters
RF Coaxial Attenuators and Terminations
EMI Filter Plates
AirBorn R Series Rectangular PCB Connectors
EMI-Filtered HighPerformance D-Subs
EXTreme Power Products
AirBorn Nano-D Connectors
GbX I-Trac Backplane Connectors
AirBorn verSI High Density Connectors
Busbars
High Reliability and High Performance
While adapting to rapidly advancing technologies, aerospace and defense systems require absolute reliability in the most demanding conditions. Engineers are under increasing pressure to minimize weight and adopt emerging electrification trends, all while upholding stringent standards for performance and durability. These factors demand meticulously engineered connectors.
Molex supports mission-critical aerospace and defense applications with lightweight, rugged MIL-SPEC connectors, cable assemblies and power solutions proven for peak performance.
SWaP-C Optimization
As the defense market embraces advanced capabilities like real-time data analytics, autonomous systems and enhanced navigation, engineers must strike the proper balance between advanced connectivity or SWaP-C (size, weight, power and cost).
Meeting these stringent military requirements demands connectors that support high-speed data transfer and minimize delay. Design engineers need compact, rugged connectors that deliver cost-effective, compliant solutions without compromising performance or reliability. The Molex portfolio includes miniaturized, ruggedized connector designs built to meet SWaP-C standards.
RESOURCES
Report - The State of Design Engineering in Aerospace and Defense Survey Report
Blog - Engineering Contact Engagement and Normal Force for Long-Term Connector Performance
Report - Defining and Advancing Rugged, Reliable Connectivity in Aerospace and Defense
Blog - Mastering SWaP-C: Connector Strategies for Defense and Beyond
Video - Industry Trends in Aerospace and Defense
Video - Molex and AirBorn: Better Together
ENERGY STORAGE
Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
Energy storage systems must adhere to stringent design requirements, addressing safety issues and meeting reliability standards. Future BESS designs need to be able to withstand high temperatures, optimize energy transfer and reduce resistance. Secure connectors that enable efficient use of space without compromising on safety or power density will be essential.
Molex helps engineers achieve these design goals with a wide range of hardware solutions, including high-temperature-rated connectors, enhanced contact protection features and globally certified components.
FEATURED PRODUCTS
SideWize High Voltage
Wire-to-Panel Connectors
Busbars | Molex
Flexi-Latch+ Connectors for EV and Battery Management
CP Connectors
Cable Assemblies
Sentrality Pin and Socket
DuraClik Connectors
Mini-Fit Connectors
FFC / FPC Connectors
Mini50 Connectors
SW1 Interconnects
Micro-Fit Connectors
Advanced Connectivity Solutions
Future designs of BESS systems will include high-performance components that promote thermal stability, reduce voltage drop and maintain strong mechanical and electrical connections. Connectors must maximize space efficiency without compromising safety or power density to keep pace with these advancements. Maintenance-free components that streamline installation and reduce long-term system costs will also be essential.
Home Energy Storage Solutions
In home energy storage systems, designers must balance higher power throughput with effective thermal management to ensure safety and efficiency. Manufacturers require components that enhance performance and streamline assembly to meet rapidly growing market demand.
As the sector expands, manufacturers strive for faster time to market. This requires components that not only enhance efficiency but simplify assembly. As a result, connectivity solutions and cable assemblies that promise easy installation and reduce production time are essential to keeping pace with industry growth.
Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
Driven by rising demand for energy efficiency, modular design and intelligent system management, the HVAC industry is undergoing a transition. To adapt, systems require components that balance performance with durability. Solutions must deliver high current capacity, environmental sealing and compliance with safety regulations, including Glow Wire standards. Additionally, connectors that support remote monitoring, enable efficient upgrades and fit within compact spaces are in high demand.
To meet these complex requirements, connectivity solutions must feature rugged materials, advanced sealing technologies and high current capacity to maintain long-term reliability.
RESOURCES
- Next-Generation Connector Strategies for HVAC Systems
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)
The skyrocketing growth of AI in 2025 put a spotlight on the challenge of staying ahead of the curve. Expected developments include generalized software platforms like Google and Amazon becoming commodities, AI models being tailored to solve industry-specific problems, significant advancements occurring in healthcare and manufacturing transforming into fully automated facilities. However, these remain predictions; with technology advancing rapidly and adoption expanding widely, the exact direction AI will take remains uncertain. What is more predictable is the continued need for high-speed, high-performing connectors, increased data center capacity and the continued adoption of AI across all industries.
FEATURED PRODUCTS
UltraWize Connectors
Sentrality Pin and Socket
Heavy-Duty Connectors
Mirror Mezz Connectors
NextStream Connector System
EXTreme Power Products
PowerPlane OCP ORV3 Power Shelf Cable Assembly
MicroBeam Connectors and Cable Assemblies
Micro-Fit+ Connectors
NearStack Connector System
MMC Cable Assemblies and Adapters Multi-Trak I/O Connectors
Automotive
Today’s vehicles are becoming data centers on wheels, incorporating the latest advancements in software, connectivity, cloud and edge computing capabilities to create awareness of the world around them. With emerging trends like vehicle-to-everything communication, autonomous driving and the need to make driving safer, AI applications that analyze data, identify road hazards and present information in intuitive, integrated displays will play a significant role.
Data Center Capacity
In 2025, the urgent need for expanded data center capacity dominated the news. High-cost construction projects are planned, driven primarily by AI’s need to store and process unprecedented and continuously increasing volumes of data. With new capacity still years away, data center managers face immediate challenges in meeting rising demand. This pressure also highlights ongoing infrastructure issues such as thermal management, scalability and the demand for high-speed, high-performance connectors.
Molex is at the forefront of delivering solutions supporting data speeds of 224Gbps, with even faster speeds such as 448Gbps on the horizon.
Machine Learning
Machine learning (ML) is increasingly being deployed to help manage the complexity of networks and find new ways to automate routine processes. The impact spans sectors from automotive to healthcare and diagnostics, smart agriculture and consumer products.
These industries now rely on AI and ML to provide insight from real-time analytics and optimize resource allocation. At the same time, algorithmic innovation and larger experimental learning models are opening new avenues for business applications.
RESOURCES
Product Guide: High-Speed
PCIe Internal Interconnects and Cables
Blog: Expanded Beam Connector
Application Tear Down: OCP ORV3 Rack and Power Systems
Application Tear Down: Rack Server Connectors
Application: AI and Machine Learning Data
Application: Data Center Power Management Solutions
AUTOMOTIVE AND BEYOND
By 2030, electronics are expected to account for 50% of the cost of a new vehicle. This shift is driven by growing consumer demand for software-enabled features such as advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), vehicle-toeverything (V2X) communications, infotainment and electric vehicle (EV) controls. To address these evolving needs, the automotive industry is adopting modular, scalable network architectures that facilitate high-speed data transmission.
FEATURED PRODUCTS
Micro-Fit Connectors
Compactus Connectors
HSAutoLink II Interconnect System
MX-DaSH Connectors
Nano-Fit Connectors
MXP120 Connector System
DuraClik Connectors
Mini50 Connectors Squba Connectors
High-Speed FAKRAMini Interconnect System
MX150 Connectors
Stac64 Connectors
Advanced Vehicle Connectivity
As vehicles become more connected, traditional communication infrastructure is struggling to keep pace. To meet requirements, automotive designs are adopting modular, scalable networks that support high-speed data transmission. Engineers also face tighter constraints on space, weight and power consumption. Solutions must preserve signal integrity, minimize electromagnetic interference (EMI) and integrate into dense environments.
High-speed, compact, lightweight connectors and shielded cable assemblies are engineered to deliver data center-level transmission rates with the durability needed for harsh automotive conditions.
Automotive Miniaturization
As automotive designs trend toward packing more electronics into tighter spaces, miniature connectors play a crucial role. Meeting these demands requires connectors that prioritize space efficiency and lightweight construction while maintaining automotive-grade performance. This involves optimized layouts, the use of advanced materials and the improvement of signal integrity.
Space-efficient solutions designed to withstand rugged environments and reduce system weight are essential to meet the growing demands of modern vehicles.
High-Speed In-Vehicle Networking
Modern in-vehicle networking (IVN) systems must support continuous over-the-air updates, lowlatency signals and real-time decision-making across a growing number of systems. To meet these requirements, automotive designs are adopting modular, scalable networks that align with the overall trend of increased in-vehicle electronics and support high-speed data transmission. These designs also face tighter constraints on space, weight and power consumption. Therefore, effective IVN solutions must maintain signal integrity, minimize EMI and integrate efficiently into limited space.
RESOURCES
MINIATURIZATION
Miniaturization is an ongoing trend that continues to grow in importance. From vehicles to mobile phones to industrial automation equipment, packing more functionality into less space will remain a priority for the foreseeable future.
The trend is particularly strong in advanced applications such as RF/wireless devices, consumer electronics and data center/edge computing. While creating smaller assemblies than ever before, designers must manage greater feature concentration, increased input/output density and evolving user expectations.
FEATURED PRODUCTS
Zero-Hachi Connectors
USB Type-C Connectors
Mini50 Connectors
Pico-EZmate Connectors
Nano-Fit Connectors
DuraClik Connectors
stAK50h Connectors
FFC / FPC Connectors Mirror Mezz Connectors
Quad-Row Connectors
Pico-Lock Connectors
Premo-Flex Flat Flexible Cables (FFC/FPCs)
Automotive Miniaturization
As more electronics are integrated into increasingly compact automotive designs, miniaturized components have become essential. To meet these challenges, connectors must combine space-saving and lightweight qualities with reliable automotive-grade performance. Achieving this requires optimized system layouts, advanced materials and enhanced signal integrity.
Solutions that are both space-efficient and rugged enough to endure harsh environments while reducing overall system weight are critical to fulfilling the evolving demands of modern vehicles.
Wearable Technology
Wearable technology includes devices such as watches, smart garments and medical devices. In this competitive market, designers must continuously develop innovative solutions to attract customers, requiring manufacturers to maintain a fast pace of new market entries.
These devices demand greater processing power and faster communications while meeting user expectations for smaller, slimmer form factors. As more components fit into less space, miniaturized connectors are vital for protecting signal integrity and minimizing heat generation. The stringent requirements of medical applications add further complexity.
RESOURCES
Guide to Rugged, Miniaturized Connectors
Report: Breaking Boundaries: Uniting Ruggedization and Miniaturization in Connector Design
Product Board - USB Type-C Connectors
- Quad-Row Connectors: A Breakthrough in
Video: Mini50 Sealed Connectors
HARSH ENVIRONMENTS
From outdoor equipment and factory automation to automotive, aerospace and defense, rugged and reliable connectors are essential for uninterrupted performance and reduced maintenance costs. Corrosive environments, extreme weather, high heat and mechanical stress push components to their limits. Industrial-grade connectors and cable assemblies that feature IP65, IP67, IP68 and IP69K ratings provide certified defense against moisture, dust and other contaminants. These solutions enable manufacturers to comply with industry standards while maintaining operational efficiency, delivering long-term reliability, reducing failure rates and minimizing downtime.
FEATURED PRODUCTS
Terminal Blocks and Barrier Strips
Squba Connectors
M12 Connectors and Cable Assemblies
AirBorn verSI High Density Connectors
Micro-One Connectors
DIN Valve Connectors and Cable Assemblies
Mini-Lock Connectors
D-Sub Connectors Heavy-Duty Connectors for Rugged Industrial Applications
Industrial SPE Connectors and Cable Assemblies
Connectors
Ruggedized Solutions
The electronics industry has long faced a trade-off between ruggedness and miniaturization. Ruggedized components are often bulky and heavy, while miniaturized components can appear less robust. Advances in materials science, innovative design and evolving manufacturing processes are driving the development of new connectors that combine exceptional durability with a small form factor.
Originating in the automotive industry, these space-efficient, rugged connectors are transforming other sectors, enabling the creation of smaller, lighter and more reliable products capable of excelling in the most demanding environments.
Home Appliances
Modern consumer appliances must place an emphasis on safety. Devices like ovens, dishwashers and dryers are exposed to extreme heat, liquids and vibration, which can lead to malfunction or even fires. Safety begins during the design and testing phases. Glow Wire testing is essential to ensure safe home appliance technology. Molex integrates Glow Wire testing into its designs and works closely with design engineers to ensure products not only meet standards but also deliver high levels of safety, reliability and efficiency.
Industrial Robotics
Robots are in high demand across a variety of manufacturing industries. Robotic applications provide greater flexibility to expand and adapt production lines. They also enhance safety by removing hazardous tasks from workers, reducing accident risks. Additionally, automation upgrades often improve the quality, consistency and speed of production.
With the convergence of ruggedness and miniaturization, Molex solutions address the complex requirements of advanced robotics in harsh environments. These solutions also help ensure compliance with safety standards, enabling robotics companies to build reliable, error-proof automation.
RESOURCES
MOLEX VIRTUAL SHOWROOM: EXPERIENCE THE DYNAMIC,
INTERACTIVE PLATFORM
VIRTUAL SHOWROOM FEATURES
Discover the latest trends in automotive, data center, electrification, and consumer applications through the Molex Virtual Showroom. This interactive tool takes you inside some of the latest applications, including:
APPLICATIONS
Automotive ADAS, heads-up displays, vehicle control units
Consumer Cameras, earbuds, ovens, smart watches, washing machines
Data Center Cables and thermal solutions, rack and storage servers, switches
Electrification Energy storage systems, electric vehicle charging, HVAC, robotic arm
The virtual showroom is a dynamic, interactive platform showcasing new and legacy Molex products designed for today’s markets. As you navigate the showroom, you will encounter intuitive interfaces and experience real-time engagement with our solutions as if they were right in front of you.
Register for the Molex Virtual Showroom to access:
• Interactive application tear downs
• Sample requests
• Detailed product information
Are you interested in joining us on this exciting journey? Register now.
NEW PRODUCT INTRODUCTIONS FROM MOLEX
On average, Molex launches more than 50 new products each year through the distribution channel. By connecting with this fundamental part of our business, we are able to broadcast our message to millions of customers around the globe.
INNOVATION
New to Molex, or new to market
ENHANCEMENT
New variations of an existing product range
EXTENSION
Additions to complete an existing range
From consumer devices to industrial robotics, the future is full of excitement. But as industries evolve to bring new functionality, innovation is not only found in the final product—it is also reinventing the components within.
The Molex New Product Introduction (NPI) program is focused on releasing solutions that support the next era of applications. Over the last decade, we launched and continuously enhanced our NPI program that introduces new products for the general market. Each new release is categorized to illustrate how it complements our range.
NPI Program Enhancements for Greater Impact
In 2025, we introduced new processes and initiatives designed to streamline the NPI program and improve the release process. Using feedback from our distributors, we have changed the way in which we build NPI packages to provide shorter lead times, identified opportunities to optimize packaging quantities, improved messaging and training materials. Look for further improvements in 2026.
Stay up-to-date with the latest information
Molex provides the following communication tools to keep distributors informed with new product updates, sales tools and resources.
DISTRIBUTION CONNECTION NEWSLETTER
Regular newsletter to keep you informed of the latest trends, tools and resources available.
NEW PRODUCT INTRODUCTIONS
Everything you need to help grow your business with the latest product offerings.
TEAM DISTRIBUTION WEBCAST
Regular webcast highlighting updates on market trends, sales performance, key product lines and NPIs.
PRODUCT REFRESH
A fresh perspective on our legacy products, featuring new information, tools, images and other resources.
LEARNING LOCKER
A complete set of tools to market Molex products, including product training courses, sales presentations and videos.
Click here to register or update your subscription preferences.
LEARNING LOCKER
Product Training and Tools for Distributors
The Molex Learning Locker platform is a comprehensive library of training, product resources and sales tools developed by our experts.
Open the Learning Locker to:
• Expand your knowledge through focused product training
• Develop expertise in Molex products and solutions
• Access the latest product information and sales tools
Once logged in, you can measure your growth in product knowledge and skills through a builtin tracking system. Completing more courses deepens your understanding of our solutions and better equips you to engage with customers and identify new design opportunities.
Get started today!
MOLEX DIVISIONS AND BUSINESS UNITS
Aerospace and Defense Solutions (ADS)
The Aerospace and Defense Solutions Division creates products that can withstand some of the harshest environments in the world. Our rugged connectors and electronic components support commercial air, space, medical and defense applications.
The industry trends that are driving the focus of ADS include aircraft electrification, autonomous operations, the Internet of Things, secure data transmission, rapid technological changes and missioncritical reliability.
This division specializes in lightweight, rugged MIL-SPEC connectors; ruggedized PCB connectors; EMI filtered high-performance D-Sub connectors; reliable signal integrity; and miniaturized and rugged components.
Consumer and Commercial Solutions (CCS)
The Consumer and Commercial Solutions Division offers solutions for electronics designers and manufacturers, providing critical products used in mobile devices, electric vehicles, consumer appliances and more.
CCS focuses on smart home technologies, IoT-connected consumer devices, energy-efficient solutions, and enhanced user experience applications.
CCS BUSINESS UNITS
Power and Signal Solutions Business Unit (PSBU)
• Valuable components essential to a multitude of applications including automotive, data center, HVAC, home appliance and more
• Focused on the release and promotion of core market products across our focus markets
• Work closely with distributors and customers to provide customized solutions to meet unique application needs, with diverse capabilities across our core connector and cable assembly groups
• Core products: Low-mid power, signal, high-power, busbars, cable assemblies, FCT D-Sub
Micro Solutions Business Unit (MSBU)
• Microminiature interconnect products used to keep devices small and light
• Advanced wireless connectivity products and automotive solutions in zonal architecture and battery management
• Core products: board-to-board, microminiature, FFC/FPC, USB-C
DataCom and Specialty Solutions (DSS)
The DataCom and Specialty Solutions Division works with telecom providers, cloud services, data centers and other key customers to offer products meeting their unique demands in performance, speed, connectivity and integration. DSS also produces infrastructure and factory automation solutions for rugged environments.
This division focuses on cloud computing, AI, Industry 4.0, 5G adoption and remote work applications.
DSS BUSINESS UNITS
Optical Solutions Business Unit (OSBU)
• Uses the power of light to create advanced optical connections, optical electronics, and wavelength management products
• Products can be found primarily within complex data and telecommunications applications
• Core products: fiber optic cable assemblies
Copper Solutions Business Unit (CSBU)
• Strengths in enterprise computing and I/O solutions reliant on copper’s conductive and thermal properties
• High-performance, high-power, and high-speed products used in important applications, such as critical data systems
• Core products: copper connectors; cable assemblies
Industrial Solutions Business Unit (ISBU)
• Provides solutions for harsh-duty and high-stress manufacturing environments
• Fuels industrial automation and automation technology growth
• Core products: power, signal and data connectors designed for harsh environments; heavy duty connectors; flat flexible cables
Printed Circuit Solutions Business Unit (PCSBU)
• Specializes in designing and manufacturing flexible printed circuits, as well as printed and hybrid electronics for high-density, reliable electronic assemblies
• Serves diverse industries such as automotive, industrial and consumer electronics
• Core products: flexible printed circuit assemblies; rigid flex circuits and assemblies; multi-layer assemblies
Radio Frequency Business Unit (RFBU)
• Designs and manufactures high-performance radio frequency solutions that enable reliable signal transmission
• Provides solutions for the telecommunications, aerospace and defense sectors
• Core products: RF coaxial cable; RF coaxial terminations; EMI filter plates, microwave; mmWave
Medical and Pharmaceutical Solutions (MPS)
The Medical and Pharmaceutical Solutions Division provides contract design and manufacturing solutions along with unique platform products for customers in the drug delivery, consumable diagnostics and medical device markets, as well as specialty commercial markets.
The industry trends driving MPS include connectivity, sustainable materials, miniaturization and platform devices.
Core products: miniaturized components, fiber optic connectors
Transportation Innovative Solutions (TIS)
The Transportation Innovative Solutions Division provides solutions to leading automotive part suppliers and vehicle original equipment manufacturers for powertrain, body electronics, safety and infotainment applications.
The industry trends driving TIS are connectivity, ADAS, shared, electrification and in-vehicle experience.
TIS BUSINESS UNITS
Transportation Solutions Business Unit (TSBU)
• Delivers innovative connectivity and component solutions tailored for the transportation industry, including automotive, aerospace, and rail sectors
• Focuses on enhancing safety, reliability, and efficiency through ruggedized and high-performance products designed for harsh and dynamic environments
• Core products: sealed and unsealed high-speed, high-reliability miniaturized connectors
Connected Mobility Solutions (CMSBU)
• Supports connected mobility applications by enabling advanced connectivity and communication technologies within the transportation sector
• Offers products and solutions related to in-vehicle networking and communications
• Provides expertise in developing custom micro solutions
• Core products: vehicle connectivity and communication solutions