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Bosch Rexroth is a global automation leader, helping companies increase productivity, cut costs and improve product quality. Our linear motion products and cartesian robots are deployed around the world in pick-and-place, assembly, soldering, gluing, material handling, and other applications---even in demanding environments. EasyHandling Systems, in single or multi-axis cartesian systems save hours of engineering and implementation time; linear guides, ball screws and linear bushings provide many options for precise positioning. Easy-to-use, open, PC-based controls (with Rexroth's award-winning Open Core technology) simplify programming and speed implementation. Pallet-based assembly conveyors, VarioFlow modular chain conveyors, lean production systems and aluminum framing round out the offering.

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Bosch Rexroth presents ctrlX OS: Operating system now available for third parties

POSTED 10/13/2022

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 ctrlX World. Now, Bosch Rexroth is taking the next step in 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 of hardware and software as well as the ctrlX World, boasts all of the components for complete automation solutions.

The next level of freedom in automation

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 partner solutions from 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 to 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 this 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 cybersecurity.

“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.