Two steps ahead with ctrlX AUTOMATION from Bosch Rexroth

Rexroth says that its new automation platform simplifies the automation world and removes the limitations of previous solutions, referring to it as “the smartphone of automation, enabling us to break through the classic boundaries between machine controls, IT and the Internet of Things”. The platform has a Linux real-time operating system, consistently open standards, app technology for programming, web-based engineering and a comprehensive IoT connection, it reduces engineering and implementation effort by 30 to 50 percent.

Rexroth confirms that ctrlX AUTOMATION is based on a new generation of multicore processors, which are stated to provide sufficient computing power for almost all automation tasks. The same high-performance central processing unit (CPU) can be integrated into embedded controllers (ctrlX CORE), industrial PCs (ctrlX IPC) or directly into drives (ctrlX DRIVE). The software runs independently of the hardware, with no need for software adaptions in future CPU upgrades.

ctrlX AUTOMATION includes I/O modules (ctrlX I/O) that can be expanded beyond the control hardware, a new generation of extremely compact servo drives and motors (ctrlX DRIVE), a wide range of operator panels (ctrlX HMI) and IPCs (ctrlX IPC) for PC-based automation or edge solutions.

The integrated safety technology ctrlX SAFETY combines safe logic and motion and simplifies the implementation of standard-compliant machine safety. In total, ctrlX AUTOMATION saves up to 50 percent of the installation space and the number of individual components. This reduces the effort and cost for logistics, installation, control cabinets, spare parts and service in the field as well as the scope of software.

ctrlX AUTOMATION is designed for the requirements of Industry 4.0 due to its wide connectivity. In addition to the EtherCAT automation bus, ctrlX AUTOMATION supports almost all common protocols and interfaces. More than 30 direct connection options and communication standards offer maximum flexibility for networking, such as OPC UA, MQTT, ProfiNet, CAN and IO-Link. Furthermore, it is already prepared for future communication standards like TSN and 5G. This makes the platform the most connectable system on the market.

“ctrlX AUTOMATION gives machine builders all the freedom of the app technology they recognise from smart devices” says Rexroth. These apps can be created in a variety of programming languages such as C++, script languages such as Python or new graphical languages such as Blockly. Classic programming using, for example, IEC 61131, PLCopen or G-Code, is still possible, but not mandatory.

The configuration and commissioning of the automation components is completely web-based without software installation. The system environment is also available virtually, so that programming can be carried out without hardware.