»Our goal with ctrlX OS is to create a real alternative to proprietary platforms and establish an open, world-leading automation ecosystem. Together with our existing partners Wago, Nokia, Dell Technologies, and Congatec, we are now taking the next step,« explains Steffen Winkler, Head of Sales at Bosch Rexroth‘s Automation & Electrification Solutions Business Unit, adding, »We are positioning ctrlX OS even more strongly than before as a universal, manufacturer-neutral operating system for a wide range of industrial applications.«

The latest hardware partner is Eaton, which validated the integration into the ctrlX OS ecosystem. Eaton uses ctrlX OS to connect its automation portfolio and visualization software Galileo with existing ctrlX OS devices from various manufacturers. This is realized through a new Data Connector for the ctrlX Data Layer. This setup will be showcased for the first time at SPS at the booths of Eaton and Bosch Rexroth.

The Partner World

The software partner world is also growing: ctrlX World now includes 104 partner companies from the automation world. The partner network extends the ctrlX Automation modular system with both software and hardware compatible with the Linux-based operating system ctrlX OS. New additions this year include SMC Deutschland, Pepperl+Fuchs, and ServiceNow.

SMC Deutschland is the first pneumatics provider in the partner world. Integrating pneumatic and electric automation solutions into ctrlX OS devices, like the ctrlX Core controller, opens up new possibilities for users. The connection of the EX260 valve terminal and the JXC controller from SMC directly via EtherCAT to ctrlX OS devices allows for easy control of airflows in and around machines.

The interoperability-focused sensors and systems from Pepperl+Fuchs are also aligned with ctrlX OS. The Pepperl+Fuchs IO-Link Master acts as the interface, connecting sensors and actuators to higher-level software systems like ERP or MES, enabling efficient communication between the production floor and the office level. Another driver for the factory of the future is the RFID systems from Pepperl+Fuchs. Protocols such as EtherCAT, IO-Link, OPC UA, and REST API facilitate integration into ctrlX OS-based devices. As a third new partner, ServiceNow brings its expertise in the automation and optimization of digital workflows to the ctrlX World. With its cloud-based platform, ServiceNow helps companies streamline processes and improve operations. By utilizing familiar standards like REST API, Webhooks, and ETL functions, the platform can be seamlessly integrated into ctrlX OS devices, allowing users to optimize operational processes on a single platform.

Over 80 Apps in the Store

All of these new applications and services can be found in the ctrlX OS Store. There are now over 80 apps in 16 main categories, half of which are provided by partner companies. Bosch Rexroth‘s stated goal: all necessary applications and services for automation should be available for purchase in one place. Winkler states, »We want to implement the one-stop shopping principle.«

One of the new apps is ‚Model Connect‘, which offers an alternative to traditional PLC programming. It connects ctrlX OS devices with model-based software development systems. The first version supports Matlab and Simulink, allowing complex systems like machines or specialized processes and control systems to be developed, validated, and simulated more easily through models. Control code for ctrlX OS can be directly generated from the models at the press of a button and loaded and executed on ctrlX OS-based devices via the Model Connect App. Furthermore, the ctrlX MOTION App now has an extended interface, allowing users to expand the app with their own motion expertise. It supports up to 128 drives and offers numerous new PLCopen functions. Lastly, the new AI-based LumiScan Suite from HD Vision Systems, a partner in ctrlX World, integrates vision systems directly into ctrlX OS-based devices such as the ctrlX Core industrial controller.

Bosch Rexroth at SPS 2024: Hall 7, Booth 450