Bosch Rexroth debuts IoT-enabled ctrlX AUTOMATION platform

Bosch Rexroth has unveiled its new ctrlX AUTOMATION hardware-software platform, which encompasses machine control, IT and the Internet of Things.

The scalable, Linux-backed platform allows for creation of centralized and decentralized automation topologies through open standards, app programming technology, web-based engineering and IoT connection.

The ctrlX AUTOMATION platform brings together 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. 

Users can 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.

A 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. 

More than 30 direct connection options and communication standards offer 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.

The platform is based on a new generation of multicore processors, which can be integrated into embedded PCs and industrial PCs, or directly into drives.