With ctrlx AUTOMATION, Bosch Rexroth has created an automation toolkit that helps solve current challenges. In the process, classic boundaries between IT, the Internet of Things, and machine control are dissolved. Today, the core requirements for high efficiency are flexibility, lean processes, and agility. Automation in factories is therefore advancing at an ever faster pace and leading to fundamental changes. It can take different forms. At the automatica trade fair in Munich, Bosch showed how simple engineering and networking, among other things, are becoming possible.
Table of Contents: What awaits you in this article
ctrlX AUTOMATION serves the diversity of automation tasks
Today’s automation tasks are diverse: from the simplest Cartesian handling tasks to highly dynamic machines with multiple synchronized axes to explicit motion solutions in electronics applications. With the software ctrlX MOTION from the world of ctrlX AUTOMATION all conceivable motion tasks can be fulfilled, including CNC as well as robotics. Relevant support is provided for handling, for example.
Among other things, the functions ensure higher productivity and dynamics. At the same time, the functionality of ctrlX MOTION can be individually adapted to the user’s requirements with the app-based software architecture and expanded as needed. For example, “active vibration damping” protects the mechanics and makes maximum accuracy possible.
Bosch Rexroth responds to the customer individually
Andreas Gryglewski, Head of Business Development Robotics and Logistics in the Automation & Electrification Solutions business unit at Bosch Rexroth, explains: “Not all automation is the same. There is no single path to the smart factory, because every company has specific requirements. We therefore always take an individual approach: Where does the customer have the greatest potential for automation? With ctrlX AUTOMATION and the ecosystem, needs-based solutions can be put together for different tasks in automation and robotics.”
Automation platform offers solutions for diverse requirements
One of the most important elements in industrial automation is machine operation via Human Machine Interface (HMI). Thus, the ctrlX HMI is a component of Bosch Rexroth’s automation platform. It is a solution of software and hardware and can be combined as required. Another component of the platform is ctrlX IOT. This solution serves networking in factories and meets all the requirements of Industry 4.0.
“With ctrlX IOT, we combine in one solution all that is necessary to be able to meet the latest requirements in automation, robotics and other areas with regard to security, data analytics and IoT connectivity. So there is no need for additional devices such as a security device, an IoT device, a motion controller, an industrial PC and HMI,” Gryglewski continues.
Apps for robotics applications are also available.
In addition, the apps also offer a variety of solutions for the field of robotics. For example, the Robot Operating System 2 (ROS2) can be linked to the ctrlX CORE controller on the basis of an app installation. Through the additional installation, ctrlX CORE becomes the ROS Node and enables direct access to the world of ROS as well as the data layer. Bosch Rexroth presented these and the other solutions or possibilities of ctrlx AUTOMATION with regard to robotics and modern automation at the automatica trade fair in Munich in June.
