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ctrlX AUTOMATION
ctrlX AUTOMATION – the Bosch Rexroth automation platform for modern industry
Industrial automation is evolving towards increasingly flexible, connected systems that can be easily adapted to production requirements. In this context, ctrlX AUTOMATION is the automation ecosystem developed by Bosch Rexroth, designed to combine industrial control, motion technology, software and connectivity within a modern architecture.
Through its approach based on high-performance hardware and modular software, ctrlX AUTOMATION enables the development of automation solutions that can be configured and expanded according to the application.
The platform can be used both for developing new equipment and production lines and for projects where flexibility, integration and connectivity are important requirements.
For machine builders, integrators and industrial companies, ctrlX AUTOMATION provides a modern approach to automation, where control, motion, communication and software applications can be integrated into a unified ecosystem.
What will you discover in this article about ctrlX AUTOMATION?
In the following sections, we explore what ctrlX AUTOMATION is, how the Bosch Rexroth ecosystem is structured, what its main components are and the types of industrial applications in which it can be used.
Table of Contents
The Bosch Rexroth platform architecture and the differences compared with conventional automation systems.
ctrlX CORE, ctrlX DRIVE, ctrlX I/O, ctrlX HMI and the associated software components.
Integration of control, motion, I/O, operator interfaces and software.
Examples of industrial applications and situations where the platform's flexibility can provide advantages.
Application analysis, component selection, system integration and technical support.
What is ctrlX AUTOMATION and what is the concept behind the platform?
ctrlX AUTOMATION is the automation platform developed by Bosch Rexroth to meet today's industrial requirements for flexibility, connectivity and hardware-software integration. The concept follows an open and modular approach in which the different functions required for an industrial application can be integrated into a common ecosystem.
A modern approach to industrial automation
In a traditional automation architecture, control, motion, communication and operator interface functions can be distributed across multiple components and software systems. As industrial installations become more complex, integrating and modifying them may require an increasing amount of configuration and programming.
With ctrlX AUTOMATION, Bosch Rexroth offers an architecture in which hardware components and software functions are designed as elements of the same ecosystem. This allows machine builders and integrators to configure the solution according to the specific requirements of the application.
This approach is particularly important in projects where equipment needs to be expanded, adapted or subsequently connected to other industrial systems.
ctrlX AUTOMATION compared with a traditional automation architecture
Traditional automation
PLC, motion control, I/O and other functions can be configured using separate components and software tools.
Expanding the system may require the additional integration of components, interfaces or software solutions.
ctrlX AUTOMATION
Control, motion, I/O and software functions are developed to operate within an integrated and modular ecosystem.
System functionalities can be adapted and expanded according to the requirements of the application and the evolution of the equipment.
From predominantly hardware-based automation to a software-oriented approach
One of the key concepts behind ctrlX AUTOMATION is the expanded role of software. Instead of all functionalities being determined exclusively by the hardware configuration, the ecosystem enables the use of software applications and functions adapted to the system's requirements.
For industrial projects, this approach can facilitate the development of systems that evolve over time, without every new function automatically requiring a complete redesign of the automation architecture.
Three important principles of the ctrlX AUTOMATION ecosystem
Modularity
Components and functions can be selected according to the requirements of the application, allowing an architecture to be configured specifically for the project.
Openness
The platform is designed to integrate the technologies and communication systems required by modern industrial automation ecosystems.
Flexibility
The system can be adapted to different applications and expanded as new production, control or connectivity requirements emerge.
Components of the ctrlX AUTOMATION ecosystem
One of the advantages of the ctrlX AUTOMATION concept is the possibility of combining different Bosch Rexroth hardware and software components within an architecture adapted to the application. The ecosystem covers functions such as control, drive technology, inputs and outputs, operator interface and software applications.
Rather than looking at each component separately, it is important to understand how they can communicate and work together as part of a complete industrial automation solution.
ctrlX CORE – the control platform
ctrlX CORE is one of the central components of the ctrlX AUTOMATION ecosystem. It can perform control functions and provide the foundation for running various software functions required by an application.
The concept allows functionalities to be configured according to the requirements of the project. The control platform can therefore be used in architectures that require machine control, communication with other equipment or the processing of data from the installation.
For machine builders and integrators, this approach enables the development of systems in which control and software can evolve along with the requirements of the application.
The role of ctrlX CORE
ctrlX DRIVE – motion control in industrial applications
ctrlX DRIVE represents the area of the ecosystem dedicated to drive technology. Drive systems are essential in applications where motion, speed, position or torque must be precisely controlled.
Integrating drive technology into the ctrlX AUTOMATION ecosystem makes it possible to coordinate control functions with the mechanical movements of the equipment, contributing to the development of a unified architecture for automated machines and installations.
In many industrial machines, automation involves more than simply processing signals. The system must coordinate precise and repeatable movements that are synchronized with the rest of the technological process.
ctrlX I/O
The connection between the control system and the sensors, actuators and other devices installed on the machine or within the industrial process.
ctrlX I/O – connecting signals from the process
Every automation system must be able to receive information from the process and transmit commands to equipment. ctrlX I/O performs this role within the ctrlX AUTOMATION ecosystem.
Sensors can provide information about the status of the machine or process, while the control system can use this data to make decisions and transmit commands to actuators and other components.
A modular I/O structure is important because it allows the configuration to be adapted to the number and type of signals required by each application.
ctrlX HMI – the interface between the operator and the system
The HMI interface allows the operator to view relevant information about the process and interact with the industrial machine or installation.
Displaying relevant process parameters and information.
Operator interaction with the available equipment functions.
Quick access to information about the status and operation of the system.
Software – an essential component of ctrlX AUTOMATION
Hardware represents only one part of the ecosystem. ctrlX AUTOMATION places significant emphasis on software and on the ability to adapt system functionalities to the requirements of the application.
This approach makes it possible to combine physical components with software functions for control, communication, engineering, visualization or other specific requirements of the industrial process.
How are the ctrlX AUTOMATION components connected?
An ecosystem, not just a single component
The value of ctrlX AUTOMATION comes from the ability to combine control, drive technology, I/O, the operator interface and software functions within a common architecture. The specific configuration, however, depends on the requirements of each machine or installation. In the next chapter, we will see how ctrlX AUTOMATION can work in an industrial application, from the signal received from a sensor to the actual control of the process.
How does ctrlX AUTOMATION work in an industrial application?
In an industrial application, the components of the automation system must communicate continuously with each other. Sensors transmit information about the process, the control system interprets the data, and commands are sent to motors, actuators and other equipment.
Within ctrlX AUTOMATION, these functions can be integrated into a common Bosch Rexroth ecosystem, where control, motion, I/O, the operator interface and software contribute to the operation of the entire application.
Automation starts with information from the process
A modern industrial machine uses numerous sensors to determine positions, temperatures, pressures, speeds, the presence of components or other variables relevant to the process.
This information is transmitted to the automation system through I/O modules. The data can then be processed by the control system, which executes the programmed logic and determines the necessary actions.
Depending on the application, the result may involve starting a motor, changing a speed, positioning an axis, activating an actuator or moving to the next stage of the technological process.
From the sensor to machine movement
In a simplified form, the flow of information in an application based on ctrlX AUTOMATION can be represented as follows:
Collecting information from the process
Receiving and transmitting signals
Processing data and executing logic
Drive and motion control
Executing the movement or action
How could ctrlX AUTOMATION work on an industrial machine?
Suppose a machine needs to automatically move a part to a specific position. A sensor detects the presence of the part and transmits the information to the automation system.
The signal is received through the I/O system, and the controller executes the programmed logic. If the required conditions are met, the system sends the command to the drive, and the motor moves the mechanism according to the defined parameters.
Once the programmed position has been reached, the information can be confirmed by another sensor, and the system automatically continues with the next stage of the operating cycle.
Control and motion within an integrated architecture
Application logic
The control system interprets the available information and executes the logic required to coordinate the stages of the industrial process.
Motion control
In applications with electric axes, the drive system can control parameters such as position, speed and torque according to the requirements of the process.
Connection to the process
I/O modules enable the exchange of information between the control system and the sensors, actuators and devices installed on the equipment.
The operator remains connected to the process
While the process is being executed automatically, the operator must be able to view important information about the status of the equipment. The HMI interface can provide access to parameters, commands, operating states and information relevant to diagnostics.
Automation therefore involves not only executing commands, but also creating a clear connection between the machine, the process and the people responsible for its operation or maintenance.
The operator interface can be used to monitor:
Data can become part of the automation process
A modern industrial machine does not always operate as an isolated system. Information generated during the process can be important for monitoring, analysis, diagnostics or the integration of the equipment with other levels of the industrial infrastructure.
The ctrlX AUTOMATION architecture is designed to connect automation functions with the software world and with modern requirements for the use of industrial data.
Data available at machine level can provide a clearer picture of how the process is operating and can support the integration of equipment into a digitalized production infrastructure.
From individual components to a complete automation system
In a real application, the value of ctrlX AUTOMATION comes not only from each individual component, but from the way control, drives, I/O, software and the operator interface can be integrated to coordinate the industrial process. In the next chapter, we will look at where the ctrlX AUTOMATION platform can be used and which types of industrial applications can benefit from this approach.
Where can the ctrlX AUTOMATION platform be used?
The modular nature of the ctrlX AUTOMATION platform enables the development of automation architectures adapted to a wide range of industrial machines and installations. The system configuration can be defined according to the number of axes, process complexity, I/O requirements, control requirements and the desired level of connectivity.
For this reason, the Bosch Rexroth ecosystem can be relevant both for machine and equipment manufacturers and for integrators or companies developing and modernizing production processes.
One platform for different automation requirements
Two industrial machines can have completely different automation requirements. One application may require the control of a single movement, while another may use multiple synchronized axes, numerous sensors, operator interfaces and continuous data exchange.
By combining components from the ctrlX AUTOMATION ecosystem, the architecture can be configured according to the specific requirements of the project.
This flexibility is particularly important for machine manufacturers developing machine families with different levels of equipment and automation.
Examples of applications for ctrlX AUTOMATION
Depending on the configuration and technical requirements of the project, the platform can be integrated into numerous types of equipment and industrial processes.
Production machines
Control of operating sequences, coordination of drives, acquisition of process signals and operator interaction can be integrated into the same automation architecture.
Assembly lines
Successive stations and processes may require coordinated control, sensors, drives and the exchange of information between different stages of the line.
Handling systems
Product transfer, positioning and handling applications may require precise motion control and synchronization with the rest of the process.
Packaging machines
Fast and repetitive processes can involve multiple axes, sensors and functions that need to be coordinated in order to perform the machine's automated cycle.
Systems with electric axes
Positioning applications can use control and drive technology to precisely coordinate one or more axes.
Special-purpose machines and installations
For equipment developed around a specific process, the modular architecture allows the components and functions required by the application to be selected.
ctrlX AUTOMATION for the development of new machinery and equipment
For a machine builder, the choice of automation architecture influences not only how the equipment operates, but also how it can be developed in the future.
A modular platform makes it possible to design a basic architecture and adapt it for different versions of the same machine. Depending on the project, functions, axes, I/O modules or software components can be added without having to start from a completely different architecture each time.
In this way, ctrlX AUTOMATION can become the foundation of a family of machines that use a common approach to control, motion and software.
New project or modernization of an existing application?
New equipment and projects
In the case of a new project, the automation architecture can be designed from the beginning around the requirements of the application.
Control, number of axes, I/O, operator interface, communication and required software functions can be analyzed before the final configuration is established.
Expansion or modernization of systems
In the case of an existing installation, the first step is to analyze the current architecture and determine which components should be retained, replaced or integrated.
The solution must be defined according to technical compatibility, application requirements and the objectives of the modernization project.
What should be analyzed before choosing the configuration?
The right configuration is not determined only by the size of the machine, but by the actual technical requirements of the application.
Why is flexibility important in industrial automation?
Every ctrlX AUTOMATION application starts with process analysis
There is no single ctrlX AUTOMATION configuration suitable for every project. The selection of the controller, drive systems, I/O modules and software functions must be based on the actual requirements of the machine or installation. In the next chapter, we will examine the stages involved in implementing a ctrlX AUTOMATION solution, from the initial analysis and selection of Bosch Rexroth components to integration and technical support.
Implementing a ctrlX AUTOMATION solution with specialized technical support
Selecting the components is only one of the stages involved in developing an automation solution. For a ctrlX AUTOMATION system to correctly meet the requirements of a machine or installation, the project must begin with an analysis of the process and a clear definition of the functions the system needs to perform.
The number of axes, types of motion, I/O signals, communication, operator interface and software requirements are just some of the elements that can influence the final configuration.
Do you need a ctrlX AUTOMATION solution for your project?
Send us the details of your application, and the CreatX Technology team can help you identify the Bosch Rexroth solution suited to your project's requirements.
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