Open automation solutions are needed for networking and digitalization

The increasing challenges of automation cannot be met by coexisting products, but only by complete solutions. With ctrlX AUTOMATION, Bosch Rexroth will demonstrate how this works at the digital HANNOVER MESSE trade fair from April 12-16th, 2021. The ctrlX AUTOMATION system - consisting of hardware and software solutions - has a Linux real-time operating system, completely open standards, app technology for programming, web-based engineering and comprehensive IoT connectivity.

"The level of automation is advancing in all industries. Increasing digitalization requires new solutions that enable networking with other systems and offer openness in all necessary directions. Therefore, our customers require individual solutions that are appropriately interlinked, rather than stand-alone products. Isolated solutions typically operate within their own boundaries and cannot interact with related or other systems," explains Steffen Winkler, Vice President Sales, Business Unit Automation & Electrification Solutions at Bosch Rexroth.

With ctrlX AUTOMATION, Bosch Rexroth creates the necessary interoperability. One of the main unique selling points of the automation platform is the unlimited openness of the system. This applies to the choice of standards and interfaces used, as well as hardware and software integration.

Automation components can be combined with each other as required

With Bosch Rexroth, the customer can use available components - from existing and new solutions to applications from the ctrlX World ecosystem - and combine them as desired. For example, the MS2N motors from ctrlX AUTOMATION can be operated on existing drive controllers and the new ctrlX DRIVE controllers work together with proven CNC and motion controls MTX and MLC. Conversely, users can use the ctrlX CORE control in combination with the drives and I/Os of existing product lines.

The openness of the platform and the ecosystem around ctrlX AUTOMATION also allows for the integration of third-party solutions. Customers can use apps from Bosch Rexroth as well as apps from third-party providers and apps they have created themselves with ctrlX World. This automation platform is also open for the co-creation of solutions and hardware from partners, creating solutions for specific industry requirements.

"The compatibility of the individual components makes it possible to solve automation tasks as needed. The migration to new solutions is easy to implement with ctrlX AUTOMATION. In doing so, we ensure spare parts availability from a guaranteed 10 to a possible 25 years. This allows customers to make their architectures stable, state-of-the art and fit for the future," explains Steffen Winkler.

Bosch Rexroth will present the variety of solutions around ctrlX AUTOMATION at the HANNOVER MESSE 2021 trade fair.

For more information on ctrlX solutions, visit: www.boschrexroth.com/ctrlxautomation.

About Bosch Rexroth:
As one of the world's leading suppliers of drive and control technologies, Bosch Rexroth ensures efficient, powerful and safe movement in machines and systems of any size. The company bundles global application experience in the market segments of Mobile Applications, Machinery Applications and Engineering, and Factory Automation. With its intelligent components, customized system solutions and services, Bosch Rexroth is creating the necessary environment for fully connected applications. Bosch Rexroth offers its customers hydraulics, electric drive and control technology, gear technology and linear motion and assembly technology, including software and interfaces to the Internet of Things. With locations in over 80 countries, roughly 31,000 associates generated sales revenue of roughly 6.2 billion euros ($7.3 billion) in 2019.

To learn more, please visit www.boschrexroth-us.com.

About Bosch:
Having established a regional presence in 1906 in North America, the Bosch Group employs 34,600 associates in more than 100 locations, as of December 31, 2019. In 2019 Bosch generated consolidated sales of $14.4 billion in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. For more information, visit www.bosch.us, www.bosch.ca and www.bosch.mx.

The Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services. It employs roughly 400,000 associates worldwide (as of December 31, 2019). The company generated sales of 77.7 billion euros in 2019. Its operations are divided into four business sectors: Mobility Solutions, Industrial Technology, Consumer Goods, and Energy and Building Technology. As a leading IoT provider, Bosch offers innovative solutions for smart homes, Industry 4.0, and connected mobility. Bosch is pursuing a vision of mobility that is sustainable, safe, and exciting. It uses its expertise in sensor technology, software, and services, as well as its own IoT cloud, to offer its customers connected, cross-domain solutions from a single source. The Bosch Group's strategic objective is to facilitate connected living with products and solutions that either contain artificial intelligence (AI) or have been developed or manufactured with its help. Bosch improves quality of life worldwide with products and services that are innovative and spark enthusiasm. In short, Bosch creates technology that is "Invented for life." The Bosch Group comprises Robert Bosch GmbH and its roughly 440 subsidiary and regional companies in 60 countries. Including sales and service partners, Bosch's global manufacturing, engineering, and sales network covers nearly every country in the world. The basis for the company's future growth is its innovative strength. Bosch employs some 72,600 associates in research and development at 126 locations across the globe, as well as roughly 30,000 software engineers.

Additional information is available online at www.bosch.com, www.iot.bosch.com, www.bosch-press.com, www.twitter.com/BoschPress.

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