Bosch Rexroth Introduces a New World of Automation

June 3, 2020

With the new ctrlX AUTOMATION platform, Bosch Rexroth has eradicated the traditional boundaries between machine control systems, IT and the Internet of Things. Centralized and decentralized automation topologies can now be created flexibly with the scalable platform. Thanks to a Linux real-time operating system, open standards, app programming technology, web-based engineering and a comprehensive IoT connection, ctrlX AUTOMATION reduces the engineering time and effort by 30% to 50%.

Today, mechanical engineering is based on software development. Bosch Rexroth‘s new ctrlX AUTOMATION platform addresses this market requirement, encompassing the latest engineering software technologies and all PLC and motion tasks. Software functions are combinable in any number of ways with ready-made, customized and customizable apps. 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. This gives machine manufacturers new-found freedom.

ctrlX AUTOMATION offers users a choice: They decide whether to program in IEC 61131, PLCopen or G-Code, or in other conventional high-level or Internet languages. This liberates machine manufacturers from dependency on the availability of PLC specialists and proprietary systems.ctrlX AUTOMATION offers users a choice: They decide whether to program in IEC 61131, PLCopen or G-Code, or in other conventional high-level or Internet languages. This liberates machine manufacturers from dependency on the availability of PLC specialists and proprietary systems.

Configuration and commissioning of automation components is completely web-based, eliminating the need to install software. Within minutes of switching on the system, the software is programmed. A completely virtual ctrlX AUTOMATION system environment is available, enabling programming without hardware. System functionalities can be extended at any time via the user’s own process functions, apps and open-source software. In total, ctrlX AUTOMATION cuts the engineering time and effort by 30% to 50%, which significantly reduces time to market for new machines.

More than 30 direct connection options and communication standards offer maximum networking flexibility for economical, end-to-end connectivity, from field level up to the cloud. ctrlX AUTOMATION is also equipped for future communication standards, such as TSN and 5G, making it the best system on the market in terms of networking capability.

ctrlX AUTOMATION is based on a new generation of multicore processors which provide sufficient processing power for almost all automation tasks. These high-performance CPUs can be integrated into embedded PCs and industrial PCs, or directly into drives. The all-new hardware and software module will cover all automation tasks – from simple control applications and IoT solutions to high-performance motion control.

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

Put to the Ultimate Test – Part 1: Torsion Tests by HELUKABEL

DCS Put to the Ultimate Test Part 1 Torsion Tests by HELUKABEL 1 400x275

Cables and wires in industrial robots and other moving machine parts are often required to withstand extreme stresses caused by torsion. Constant repetitive movements put materials under considerable strain. At the same time, operators expect components to function perfectly and reliably throughout their entire service life to avoid disruptions, outages and safety hazards.

For this reason, at HELUKABEL, we simulate intensive and continuous torsion stresses under realistic conditions with our high-tech testing equipment in Windsbach. We have several types of apparatus for doing this because some of our customers, for example those in the automotive industry, have very precise specifications for how a torsion test is carried out. The tests show that our cables and wires withstand speeds up to 1,000°/s, accelerations up to 2,000°/s² and torsion angles up to 720°. Hence, we make sure that each product always meets our customers’ high standards, and that they receive the impeccable quality they rightly expect from us as a leading supplier of cables, wires and accessories for more than 40 years.

What Is Torsion?

To learn the answer, click here

30 Minute Live Webinar 2:30 PM ET January 19th, 2023

With PC-based automation, you can implement applications and solutions that far exceed the functions of a classic controller. SIMATIC PC-based products offer you a flexible, innovative platform with long-term availability that give you a home field advantage when meeting the challenges of the digital factory for your machines and plants.

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