Bosch Rexroth Welcomes SMC to the ctrlX World as First Pneumatic Supplier

Pneumatics supplier SMC Deutschland has joined Bosch Rexroth’s ctrlX World partner network. Machine builders and integrators will now have the ability to connect SMC sensors and actuators for pneumatic applications using IO-Link or EtherCAT into their ctrlX automation systems.

 

Bosch Rexroth expands ctrlX Automation’s portfolio by adding pneumatic supplier SMC to its partner network. Image used courtesy of Bosch Rexroth

 

The ctrlX World

In the ever-evolving world of IT and automation, Bosch Rexroth has engineered a solution for machine builders to have access to one of the largest one-stop shops for a variety of automation hardware and software. The industrial ecosystem known as ctrlX World now has 100 partners, including big names such as Schunk, Nokia, Fanuc, SMC, and others.

Bosch Rexroth’s platform aims to solve many automation requirements, as stated by Steffen Winker, CSO of Business Unit Automation, “The partner world around our modular automation system is growing continuously. 100 partner companies from various sectors have joined. Our common goal: to simplify and improve the various processes of industrial automation. This ranges from apps for robot integration to AI solutions and tools for energy management. We can therefore solve all challenges—whether simple or complex—via our platform and the partner world."

 

Bosch Rexroth’s ctrlX World is now made up of 100 partners providing a variety of automation solutions. Image used courtesy of Bosch Rexroth

 

Pneumatic Solutions

The ctrlX Automation system is set up to offer a complete solution for any automation project. Its various components include controllers, I/O modules, HMIs, IPCs, pneumatics, motion control, and safety solutions. The system is centered around the ctrlX Core, an open-sourced, real-time, high-performance, and communication-ready (EtherCat) Linux-based operating system.

Thanks to the partnership between SMC and Bosch Rexroth, it is now possible to control pneumatic and electrical drive functions through the ctrlX Automation environment.

 

The ctrlX Core is a communication-ready Linux-based operating system that is the foundation of any ctrlX Automation system. Image used courtesy of Bosch Rexroth

 

A Complete Automation Solution

Bosch Rexroth customers will also have access to the powerful web-based ctrlX Device Portal. The ctrlX Device Portal enables ctrlX Automation system users to manage their devices, view system details, update systems and backup systems, and access apps and licenses securely and remotely from anywhere in the world.

Additionally, ctrlX Automation system users have access to a full range of software and programming tools thanks to ctrlX Works. CtrlX Works contains a vast portfolio of software and programming tools with the addition that users can develop their own applications in almost any programming language using their software development kit. CtrlX Works also offers PC-based engineering tools that can evaluate the system without the need for hardware by using the ctrlX Core^VIRTUAL.