ctrlX AUTOMATION—Two Steps Ahead

ctrlX AUTOMATION from Bosch Rexroth surmounts the classic boundaries between machine controls, the IT world and the Internet of Things. With the real-time capable operating system Linux, consistently open standards, app programming technology, web-based engineering and a comprehensive IoT connection, ctrlX AUTOMATION significantly reduces components and engineering costs.

As a global technology leader in automation with decades of expertise and long-standing partner of Bosch Rexroth, Pepperl+Fuchs is also committed to the openness of systems and interfaces. We believe that future-oriented automation can only succeed if there is an even greater move away from proprietary manufacturer standards and if boundaries between system levels and hierarchies are further broken down. Accordingly, we welcome the open architecture concept of ctrlX AUTOMATION and are pleased to support the initiative with our products and solutions for ctrlX OS.

The connectivity of components is a crucial element in unleashing the full potential of ctrlX OS and implementing genuine smart factory and smart production solutions. To achieve this, the intelligence of sensors and actuators must be exploited and both process and status data must be made available. The IO-Link masters from Pepperl+Fuchs are precisely designed for this purpose: As an interface, they create access to sensors and actuators and combine deterministic real-time communication via industrial Ethernet fieldbuses such as EtherCAT or PROFINET with supplementary communication channels such as MQTT, OPC UA, or REST API for connection to cloud platforms in just a single component.

This makes it easy to overcome system boundaries between the OT and IT worlds and merge classic principles of I&C technology with future-oriented IoT concepts. An integrated IODD interpreter allows complete configuration and handling of the master, including all connected devices, via a web browser, while the master's multiprotocol capability significantly reduces storage costs and device management costs.

The future-oriented automation of industrial environments with ctrlX OS requires reliable yet variable sensor technology. As a pioneer in the field of industrial sensor technology with decades of experience, Pepperl+Fuchs has a broad portfolio of different functional principles. This ranges from classic binary proximity sensors, photoelectric sensors, and positioning systems to extremely robust ultrasonic and radar sensors for challenging outdoor applications.

A wide range of variants with different interfaces (including IO-Link, PROFINET, EtherNet/IP, PROFIBUS, CANopen) ensures that the Pepperl+Fuchs sensor portfolio can be used to successfully solve virtually any automation task within the framework of ctrlX AUTOMATION from a single source. In addition, a wide range of connection technology (including sensor-actuator cables, connectors, splitters, and distributors) is available, allowing users to benefit from cost- and time-saving "one-stop shopping".

RFID is a key technology for the factory organized in line with Industry 4.0. It brings dynamism and flexibility to all areas of production and logistics. This enables seamless transparency and traceability along production and supply chains. Pepperl+Fuchs offers a comprehensive range of components (read/write devices, tags, evaluation units, cables) for the realization of complete system solutions within all common frequency ranges (LF, HF, UHF).

Mixed operation of different frequencies can also be realized on one evaluation unit. The modules also support the EtherCAT communication which is commonly used for communication between ctrlX OS devices as well as other Industrial Ethernet protocols. Simple integration via IO-Link is also possible, while interfaces such as OPC UA and REST API open up the option of vertical communication.

• Multiprotocol and MultiLink™-capable, high-performance IO-Link masters as an ideal addition to the open concept of ctrlX AUTOMATION 
• Integrated MQTT, OPC UA, and REST API interfaces enable platform-independent, interoperable and manufacturer-independent machine communication
• Broad sensor portfolio for the realization of virtually all automation applications
• RFID system solutions in all frequency ranges for greater transparency and traceability
• Reduced effort due to genuine one-stop shopping—from sensors and interface components to custom-fit connection technology and integration expertise