SoftBank Develops Cable-Free Server Rack for Data Centers

Tokyo, Japan - SoftBank Corp. announced on Monday that it has developed a server rack that eliminates cables, enabling the robotic handling of data center equipment installation and maintenance.

The telecommunications company stated that conventional server racks contain numerous cables, which prevent robots from accurately recognizing and manipulating the equipment.

SoftBank said this affects the precision and efficiency of automated operations.

The new rack eliminates the need for power, cooling, and communication cable connections through a structure that the company describes as cable-free.

SoftBank said robots can install servers by pushing them into position without handling cables.

The rack accommodates servers that meet EIA specifications, featuring a 19-inch width, through adapters and connection equipment designed by SoftBank, the company stated.

SoftBank stated that the system is compatible with commercially available servers.

The rack uses three connection methods.

• Power is supplied through a bus bar system from metal bars on the rack's rear.
• Cooling connections use components that SoftBank described as blind-mate connectors.
• Communication uses optical connectors that utilize light signals, according to the company.

SoftBank said the rack conforms to ORV3 specifications from the Open Compute Project, a nonprofit organization that establishes design standards for data center products.

The rack supports liquid cooling, the company said.

SoftBank said it will test the rack system with robotic operations.

The company said it plans to work with partners to develop autonomous mobile robots and automated guided forklifts for data center operations.

The rack is intended for use at SoftBank's planned Hokkaido Tomakomai AI Data Center, which the company said will open in fiscal year 2026.

Ashik Khan, head of SoftBank's Common Platform Development Division, said the company aims to fully automate data center equipment construction and maintenance work with robots. Khan described the development as part of efforts to establish next-generation social infrastructure.

SoftBank said its development partners included Senko Advanced Corp. for optical connector technology, Nidec Corp. for cooling system maintenance, and Nitto Kogyo Co. for chassis design.

The company said the project supports its construction of distributed AI data centers and AI computing infrastructure.