Bosch Rexroth Presents ctrlX OS: Operating System Now Available for Third Parties

October 7, 2022

DCS Bosch Rexroth Presents ctrlX OS Operating System Now Available 1 400x275

The Linux-based operating system for the automation toolkit ctrlX AUTOMATION is now available for hardware from third-party providers and virtualized environments

•Next level of openness and freedom in automation
•Can be used on all levels – from the field level to the cloud
•Hardened software stack with a high degree of cyber security
•Connection to the ctrlX Store and the ctrlX Device Portal

With the automation toolkit ctrlX AUTOMATION and the principle of the “smartphone for the world of industrial automation”, Bosch Rexroth signaled a paradigm shift in the market back in 2020. In 2021, the leap from an open platform to an industrial partner network was achieved with the ctrlX World. Now Bosch Rexroth is taking the next step as regards freedom and openness: In the past, the real-time-capable, Linux-based operating system was used exclusively on the control system ctrlX CORE. However, it is now available as a separate solution for industrial environments. ctrlX OS can be used on all levels – from the field level to the cloud, and on a range of different hardware.

“The trend in automation is increasingly moving towards distributed software and data-based automation solutions – from the field level and edge devices to the cloud. At the same time, information is being pooled as far as possible. The same standards apply to the entire network in terms of applicable software, security, tools and communication interfaces,” explained Steffen Winkler, Vice President Sales, Business Unit Automation & Electrification Solutions at Bosch Rexroth.

ctrlX AUTOMATION is geared to these requirements. The fully open system comprising hardware and software as well as the ctrlX World, boasts all of the components for complete automation solutions.

DCS Bosch Rexroth Presents ctrlX OS Operating System Now Available 2 1920x680

The next level of freedom in automation

Now Bosch Rexroth is taking the next development step and offering ctrlX OS, a Linux-based operating system designed for real-time use in industrial environments. ctrlX OS is hardware-independent and seamlessly connects even more automation components to the entire ctrlX AUTOMATION portfolio, including the partner solutions of the ctrlX World. Software-based functions can be developed, installed, updated and operated even more easily and flexibly across all levels of the automation topology. Bosch Rexroth thus caters for the needs of software-driven factories and enables modern software practices such as virtual testing and DevOps in automation. Hardware independence also makes it possible to operate a virtual control system on hypervisor platforms, in the data center, on edge servers or in the cloud.

The operating system supports app technology, web-based engineering, secure user management and the high-performance exchanging of data via the ctrlX Data Layer. All devices in the network are connected efficiently via the system. A standardized tool chain and a software development kit (SDK) are available for all devices. The ctrlX Device Portal allows effective device management anywhere in the world. This is a digital service for providing new software functions, management and maintenance of device settings or remote maintenance.

ctrlX OS means automation on all levels. As a result, IT and OT applications can easily be merged for Industry 4.0 purposes. ctrlX OS provides access to all apps from the ctrlX Store and the ctrlX AUTOMATION Community. Users can also run their own software on any hardware that is suitable for the application. And all of this takes place on an extremely secure level: A hardened software stack ensures a high degree of cyber security.

“As confirmed by the market, we offer the very latest, most open and most secure operating system for automation technology. We’re now taking the bold step of making this operating system available to other automation component suppliers, once again demonstrating our commitment to maximum openness,” said Steffen Winkler.

To learn more about the ctrlX AUTOMATAION, click here

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.

Latest Articles

Lithium-ion Battery Energy Storage Systems – ...

The way we generate power has been undergoing a radical shift over the last few years ...