The ctrlX OS world of automation is growing: new features and application areas
Manuela Kessler30.09.2024Lohr am Main / Germany | PI 029/24
Growing ecosystem around ctrlX OS – central platform for innovation
Eaton evaluates integration into the ctrlX OS Ecosystem
Long term support (LTS release 2.6) with advanced features
The ecosystem surrounding the Linux-based operating system ctrlX OS is growing. (Image source: Bosch Rexroth AG)
The operating system ctrlX OS developed by Bosch Rexroth and the associated ecosystem are growing in terms of both size and importance. Since it was opened up to competitors, it offers extensive integration options not just for users, but also for OEM partners. More and more providers are joining the ctrlX OS world of automation. Eaton is currently evaluating the use of ctrlX OS to integrate its products into existing ctrlX OS-based automation systems. While the ever-growing partner network is constantly expanding the range of functions and opening up new business opportunities, the LTS release 2.6 brings important updates and long-term support ensures long-term stability.
The Linux-based operating system ctrlX OS was originally developed by Bosch Rexroth exclusively for the control platform ctrlX CORE. Meanwhile it is available as a separate solution for the industrial environment. As a result, it has become a key automation component with its own ecosystem, which now also offers OEMs extensive integration possibilities and new business opportunities. ctrlX OS OEMs use the operating system with its digital services and apps in their hardware and software portfolio. In doing so, they implement advanced automation solutions for their specific markets and develop new business models.
As a result, users benefit from a wide range of seamlessly integrated solutions for automation. By using ctrlX OS, they can install and use an ever-increasing range of apps on their ctrlX OS devices. The range includes a wide selection of solutions, e.g. in the PLC, Motion, IoT, Communication, Engineering, and Sense & Vision app categories. These can also be extended with customer-specific apps. At the same time, users benefit from web-based engineering, device management, and a large developer community.
“Our goal with ctrlX OS is to create a true alternative to proprietary platforms and establish an open, worldwide leading automation ecosystem. Together with our previous partners WAGO, Nokia, Dell Technologies and congatec, we are now taking the next step. ctrlX OS will be established even more strongly than before as a universal, vendor-neutral operating system for a wide range of industrial applications,” explains Steffen Winkler, Senior Vice President Sales Business Unit Automation & Electrification Solutions at Bosch Rexroth.
Eaton evaluates integration into the ctrlX OS Ecosystem
Eaton, a global provider of intelligent power management solutions, is dedicated to protecting the environment and improving the quality of life for people everywhere. Eaton makes products for the data center, utility, industrial, commercial, machine building, residential, aerospace and mobility markets.
Eaton has recently started the technical validation of an integration into the ctrlX OS Ecosystem. Eaton uses ctrlX OS to connect its automation portfolio and Galileo visualization software to existing ctrlX OS devices from various manufacturers. This is being implemented by means of a new data connector for the ctrlX Data Layer. Eaton´s customers would benefit from the ctrlX OS Ecosystem, as it would make all data available in a transparent, easy and efficient manner. ctrlX OS users would benefit from an enlarged portfolio and a wider selection of ctrlX OS-based or compatible controllers, IPCs and servers. This will be demonstrated for the first time at the Eaton and Bosch Rexroth booths at the SPS fair. After the trade fair, the two companies will work together to define the next steps based on customer feedback.
ctrlX OS LTS release provides long-term stability and safety
Bosch Rexroth has published a new long term support (LTS) release to ensure a long service life for its automation solutions. This means that maintenance is provided over several years in the form of service packs containing optimizations and security updates. Users benefit from long-term stability, security and continuous support when using the solutions. LTS release 2.6 expands the flexibility of ctrlX OS by improving the allocation of processor cores and optimized backup and restore capabilities. With the new release, the software and engineering toolbox ctrlX WORKS is now modular and uploads the required modules as required. This enables optimum adaptation to specific requirements. In addition, there are numerous new apps in the Engineering and Sense & Vision categories and improvements in communication apps.
As one of the world’s leading suppliers of drive and control technologies, Bosch Rexroth ensures efficient, powerful and safe movement in machines and systems of any size. The company bundles global application experience in the market segments of Mobile and Industrial Applications as well as Factory Automation. With its intelligent components, customized system solutions, engineering and services, Bosch Rexroth is creating the necessary environment for fully connected applications. Bosch Rexroth offers its customers hydraulics, electric drive and control technology, gear technology and linear motion and assembly technology, including software and interfaces to the Internet of Things. With locations in over 80 countries, around 33,800 associates generated sales revenue of 7.6 billion euros in 2023.
Basic Information Bosch
The Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services. It employs roughly 429,000 associates worldwide (as of December 31, 2023). The company generated sales of 91.6 billion euros in 2023. Its operations are divided into four business sectors: Mobility, Industrial Technology, Consumer Goods, and Energy and Building Technology. With its business activities, the company aims to use technology to help shape universal trends such as automation, electrification, digitalization, connectivity, and an orientation to sustainability. In this context, Bosch’s broad diversification across regions and industries strengthens its innovativeness and robustness. Bosch uses its proven expertise in sensor technology, software, and services to offer customers cross-domain solutions from a single source. It also applies its expertise in connectivity and artificial intelligence in order to develop and manufacture user-friendly, sustainable products. With technology that is “Invented for life,” Bosch wants to help improve quality of life and conserve natural resources. The Bosch Group comprises Robert Bosch GmbH and its roughly 470 subsidiary and regional companies in over 60 countries. Including sales and service partners, Bosch’s global manufacturing, engineering, and sales network covers nearly every country in the world. Bosch’s innovative strength is key to the company’s further development. At 136 locations across the globe, Bosch employs some 90,000 associates in research and development, of which nearly 48,000 are software engineers.
