Bosch Rexroth has added several new offerings to its recently introduced ctrlX AUTOMATION machine control platform. The new offerings include ctrlX SAFETY, ctrlX I/O and ctrlX SERVICES. These offerings expand the overall ctrlX AUTOMATION system functionality, with more capabilities planned in the near future.

ctrlX SAFETY
ctrlX SAFETY is the fastest and most compact safety solution on the automation market. The scalable system can be used as required – from the drive-integrated Rexroth SafeMotion solution in its ctrlX DRIVE product, to the complete ctrlX SAFETY control. In addition to the flexible use, the advantages include a high level of safety thanks to the fastest reaction times and efficient engineering through graphical programming of the safety PLC.

ctrlX SAFETY is based on two components that can be used independently or as an overall system: SafeMotion and SafeLogic. The hardware is extremely compact and, as a safety control, its graphical programming allows the required programs to be created quickly and easily without extensive training. The intuitive engineering interface, a documentation-supported user guidance and ready-made dialogs for the acquisition of acceptance-relevant information enable significantly faster engineering than conventional solutions. For more demanding applications, the hardware can be extended by additional I/O modules via the safe fieldbus. It has flexible interfaces such as digital I/O, ctrlX SAFETYlink, Safety over EtherCAT (FSoE) and PROFIsafe (in preparation). The exchange of safe I/O signals between the safety control and the SafeMotion on the ctrlX DRIVE is performed via ctrlX SAFETYlink.

ctrlX I/O
ctrlX I/O adds other interfaces on the field and control levels to the platform. The I/O range serves as a functional expansion of the company’s ctrlX CORE while providing comprehensive communication and performance enhancements geared to technologies of the future like 5G, TSN and AI.

ctrlX I/O is based on EtherCAT, a foundation for real-time-capable data processing. PROFINET and IO-Link are supported as well. More than 30 communication standards such as OPC UA and MQTT facilitate the seamless connection to IT and IoT systems. Analog and digital inputs/outputs allow standard sensors and actuators to be connected. By the use of encoder interfaces and drive modules, small and stepping motors can be controlled directly from the I/O level.

ctrlX I/O also saves space in the control cabinet and offers up to 16 I/O points over a width of just 12 mm.

ctrlX SERVICES
With ctrlX SERVICES, Bosch Rexroth is expanding its wide range of support services for the ctrlX AUTOMATION platform. ctrlX SERVICES includes the ctrlX App Store for downloading the required software; ctrlX Device Portal for centrally managing control systems; and the ctrlX AUTOMATION Community for support, knowledge transfer and news.

Users of ctrlX AUTOMATION can use apps from Bosch Rexroth, third-party providers or apps that they have created themselves. As a result, individual solutions can be put in place quickly and easily. With the ctrlX App Store, Bosch Rexroth offers online access to all available applications and libraries for producing apps. Designers have quick access to detailed information, documentation and release notes. By downloading additional apps, system functionality can easily be expanded and licenses are available from the store.

For more information, visit www.boschrexroth-us.com.