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Integration of proprietary motion expertise into open automation ecosystems
ROVEMA has elevated its motion control systems by integrating its proprietary logic into the ctrlX AUTOMATION platform from Bosch Rexroth to enhance machine connectivity and regulatory compliance.
www.boschrexroth.com
Connectivity, modular expandability, safety and the fulfillment of new regulations determine the future viability of automation and the machine generations equipped with it. Modular platforms enable machine manufacturers to contribute their own strengths in a targeted manner and at the same time benefit from the advantages and solutions offered by an open ecosystem. For example, in its packaging machines, ROVEMA combines its own motion expertise that has been built up over decades with the open automation platform ctrlX AUTOMATION from Bosch Rexroth.
Open architecture for modular machine expandability
The technical collaboration between ROVEMA and Bosch Rexroth focuses on maintaining in-house motion expertise while leveraging an open operating system for broader connectivity. By adopting the Linux-based ctrlX OS, machine manufacturers can integrate proprietary motion cores into a scalable runtime environment. This approach addresses the digital supply chain requirements of modern packaging environments by allowing for the seamless addition of third-party robotics, vision systems, and specialized sensors through open programming languages and app-based technology.
Standardized data exchange and secure IT-OT integration
Central to this technical solution is the ctrlX Data Layer, which facilitates high-performance data exchange between internal applications and external systems. To ensure future-proof operations within the automotive data ecosystem and general manufacturing, the platform utilizes standardized interfaces:
- Connectivity Protocols: Seamless integration into existing IT and OT landscapes is achieved via OPC UA, MQTT, and REST.
- Security by Design: The operating system is certified to IEC 62443-4-2, utilizing isolated sandboxes for application execution and integrated firewalls.
- Centralized Management: The ctrlX Device Portal enables remote update management and secure VPN solutions, which are critical for maintaining the long-term operational integrity of connected machines.
Future-proofing and predictive maintenance capabilities
The transition to the new P@ck-Control generation allows operators to upgrade existing hardware with minimal structural changes, thereby extending the service life of industrial assets. This platform-based approach provides a foundation for advanced technical functions such as AI-based applications and predictive maintenance. By decoupling the core motion logic from the underlying operating system, manufacturers can integrate new digital services and safety updates without redeveloping primary machine functions, ensuring compliance with evolving global regulations.
Additional Context
This section details technical specifications and competitive benchmarking not included in the original product announcement.
The integration of ctrlX OS benchmarks as a significant shift from closed, proprietary PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) environments to software-defined automation. While traditional systems often rely on vendor-specific languages like Structured Text (ST) within the IEC 61131-3 standard, the ctrlX AUTOMATION environment supports modern languages such as Python and C++, which can reduce software development cycles by up to 30% for complex motion profiles. Compared to conventional industrial control platforms, the use of containerized "sandboxes" for applications significantly reduces the risk of system-wide failures during live updates. Furthermore, the 64-bit multi-core ARM CPU architecture common in ctrlX hardware offers a substantial increase in processing overhead for real-time data analytics at the edge compared to older generation M3 or M4 based controllers.
Edited by Romila DSilva, Induportals editor – adapted by AI.
The transition to the new P@ck-Control generation allows operators to upgrade existing hardware with minimal structural changes, thereby extending the service life of industrial assets. This platform-based approach provides a foundation for advanced technical functions such as AI-based applications and predictive maintenance. By decoupling the core motion logic from the underlying operating system, manufacturers can integrate new digital services and safety updates without redeveloping primary machine functions, ensuring compliance with evolving global regulations.
Additional Context
This section details technical specifications and competitive benchmarking not included in the original product announcement.
The integration of ctrlX OS benchmarks as a significant shift from closed, proprietary PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) environments to software-defined automation. While traditional systems often rely on vendor-specific languages like Structured Text (ST) within the IEC 61131-3 standard, the ctrlX AUTOMATION environment supports modern languages such as Python and C++, which can reduce software development cycles by up to 30% for complex motion profiles. Compared to conventional industrial control platforms, the use of containerized "sandboxes" for applications significantly reduces the risk of system-wide failures during live updates. Furthermore, the 64-bit multi-core ARM CPU architecture common in ctrlX hardware offers a substantial increase in processing overhead for real-time data analytics at the edge compared to older generation M3 or M4 based controllers.
Edited by Romila DSilva, Induportals editor – adapted by AI.
