DigiKey is expanding its focus on industrial automation with a significant increase in in-stock components, as manufacturers seek faster access to parts for robotics, control systems, and machine vision applications.
The distributor added nearly 31,000 new parts available for immediate shipment in the first quarter of 2026, as part of a broader intake of more than 387,000 products and 97 suppliers across its platform.
DigiKey said the expansion is designed to help engineers and procurement teams reduce lead times and avoid minimum order constraints, a persistent challenge for automation projects where downtime and delays can be costly.
The company is positioning its growing catalogue of new product introductions as a key enabler for industrial innovation, particularly in areas such as robotics, smart manufacturing, and autonomous systems.
Among the suppliers added in the quarter are Grinn, which develops embedded and system-on-module solutions used in industrial control environments, and REV Robotics, whose platforms are increasingly used in prototyping and training for automation systems.
Recent additions to the catalogue reflect demand for higher levels of sensing, control, and intelligence on the factory floor. These include vision AI development kits from Advantech, designed to accelerate deployment of machine vision in robotics and inspection systems, and high-voltage relays from Omron for use in industrial power applications.
Other components relevant to automation engineers include programmable logic and FPGA tools from Microchip Technology, power solutions from RECOM Power, and mixed-signal test and measurement equipment from Digilent.
Mike Slater, Vice President of Global Business Development at DigiKey, said continued investment in inventory and digital capabilities would allow customers to access the latest technologies more quickly and streamline the design-to-deployment cycle.
The expansion comes as industrial companies accelerate automation efforts to improve efficiency, resilience, and flexibility in production.
Ready access to components in small quantities is becoming increasingly important, particularly for prototyping, pilot lines, and system upgrades.
With more than 18 million components available from nearly 3,000 manufacturers, DigiKey is seeking to strengthen its role as a key supply partner for automation engineers navigating increasingly complex and time-sensitive projects.
