Patent ID: 8900000

Claim:
A robotically mateable connector, comprising: first and second releasably mateable connector units movable along a mating/de-mating axis between mated and unmated conditions, the first and second connector units having respective first and second contact modules, each contact module having at least one contact configured for mating engagement with a corresponding contact of the other connector unit when the units are fully mated; the first connector unit having a front shell, a rear shell, a rotary joint between the front and rear shells configured to permit relative rotation between the shells about the mating/de-mating axis, and a robotic manipulator grip assembly associated with the front shell and adapted for engagement by a robotic manipulator; the first contact module being secured to the rear shell, the rear shell having a cable attachment fitting; and the first and second connector units being configured for robotic mating and the first and second contact modules being relatively rotatable about the mating/de-mating axis in the mated condition of the units while maintaining mated engagement between corresponding contacts of the first and second contact modules.