Bosch Rexroth at LogiMAT: Lean and connected Intralogistics

• Minimum space requirement in the control cabinet and maximum energy efficiency
• One device for all tasks: Security, data analytics and IoT connection
• Linux-based architecture with direct ROS integration for mobile robots

Lean manufacturing is an important competitive factor for manufacturing companies. It is a question of streamlining processes in order to act more quickly and flexibly and thus achieve greater economy. This includes Intralogistics. The ctrlX AUTOMATION system meets these core requirements, particularly in terms of efficiency and compactness. In Hall 2, Stand B21 at LogiMAT, Bosch Rexroth is also demonstrating how other Intralogistics requirements such as security, connectivity, mobile robotics and sustainability can be implemented.

The ctrlX AUTOMATION platform interconnects machine control, IT and the Internet of Things intelligently. With the help of the real-time operating system Linux, fully open standards, app programming technologies, web-based engineering and a comprehensive IoT connection, ctrlX AUTOMATION paves the way to a new world of automation that is open, flexible and connective. The system makes it possible to combine existing and new product lines. For example, cabinet-free IndraDrive Mi drive technology can be combined with the ctrlX AUTOMATION portfolio for Intralogistics uses, such as storage and retrieval machines or mobile transport systems.

No control cabinet, energy-efficient and ready for intralogistics

The ultra-compact, decentralized IndraDrive Mi drive technology offers maximum flexibility with minimal space requirements. Great savings are possible when it comes to wiring and energy consumption. A DAMBACH load handling device, for example, is fitted with IndraDrive Mi. The benefit: It doesn’t have a control cabinet and requires up to 83 percent less cabling. This saves weight and space. The reduced weight allows greater dynamism and shorter process times and improves storage-system performance. The Multi-Ethernet interface for connecting to various communication protocols also ensures flexible connectivity.

The combination of the ultra-compact ctrlX CORE control system and ctrlX SAFETY – the fastest-reacting, most compact safety solution available on the market – is an ideal solution for modern Intralogistics, because ctrlX CORE combines the OT and the IT world with its app technology. For digitalization, all data are available in the ctrlX Data Layer and can easily be used. On the other side, a motion kernel with all necessary functions is available for the automation part. All of this can be programmed graphically, which greatly simplifies motion programming, for example.

“This scenario is an excellent example of the benefits resulting from a combination of the individual Rexroth components to create a needs-based, economical integrated solution. A key effect is the streamlining of processes and saving space as part of lean manufacturing,” explains Michael Lippert, Business Development Robotics and Logistics, Business Unit Automation & Electrification Solutions at Bosch Rexroth.

One device for all tasks: Security, data analytics and IoT connection

For the connectivity so crucial to factories today, Bosch Rexroth offers the special solution ctrlX IOT, an automation platform component featuring a progressive IoT toolbox with integrated security that meets all Industry 4.0 requirements. The option of fully integrating IoT solutions into the (hardware) platform gives users virtually unlimited possibilities for action.

“To meet the latest Intralogistics requirements concerning security, data analytics and IoT connection, you usually need several devices, such as a security device, an IoT device, a PLC and motion control system, an industrial PC, and an HMI. With ctrlX IOT, we combine all this in a single solution,” says Michael Lippert.

Linux-based architecture with direct ROS integration for mobile robots

In Industry 4.0, mobile robots are playing an increasingly prominent role in making Intralogistics processes leaner. Michael Lippert explains: “Mobile robotics is a highly sophisticated market where several trends come together. These include integrating sensors and cameras, AI computing, calculating SLAM algorithms, and much more. Our automation platform offers solutions with its different apps, and the free choice of programming language is the perfect basis for these tasks. One good example is ROS2-Integration. The Robot Operating System (ROS) is a set of software libraries and open-source tools which support the development of robot applications. By installing an additional app, the ctrlX CORE control system becomes an ROS note and offers direct access to the ROS world and our data layer.”

Bosch Rexroth will demonstrate this and other Intralogistics solutions of the future at LogiMAT in Stuttgart (Hall 2, Stand B21), from May 31 until June 2.