Sumitomo Electric's Q102-M12+ Ribbon Fiber Splicer allows fiber optic technicians to splice up to 12-count ribbon fiber in 11 seconds and reduces reworks by 20% due to poor fiber preparation. Aiding in quicker production times is Sumitomo Electric’s patented NanoTune™ technology. NanoTune™ uses AI technology to analyze fiber end faces, accounting for poor cleaves or technician errors when preparing fiber. Previously, technicians would have to redo the entire strip, clean, and cleave process if there were flaws in the designed fiber. However, NanoTune allows the splicer to continue conducting a low-loss splice. This, in turn, reduces failures and rework caused by poor cleaves by 20%; this is especially important when considering ribbon fiber has 12 end faces that could be damaged during the preparation process. The combination of NanoTune™ and features provided by the Q102-M12+ result in the ability to splice an 864-fiber cable in less than 2 hours.
Judge’s Comment: “While a ribbon splicer is nothing new, the use of AI to speed splicing by accounting for impairments is novel and practical use of AI capabilities.”