Bosch Rexroth has announced its partnership with SMC Deutschland GmbH (SMC), the first pneumatics specialist to join its ctrlX World. To make this partnership more significant, it marks SMC as ctrlX World’s 100th partner. This collaboration aims to expand the capabilities of ctrlX World solutions, which include ctlX AUTOMATION and CORE.

The ctrlX AUTOMATION platform, known for its real-time Linux-based operating system, reduces mechanical engineering time between 30% and 50%. It will now integrate SMC’s advanced pneumatic and electric automation solutions. This synergy is set to provide unparalleled flexibility and efficiency for various industrial applications. The combination of Bosch Rexroth’s cutting-edge ctrlX World technology with SMC’s extensive expertise in automation solutions is a significant step towards advancing industrial automation. Through Bosch Rexroth Africa, Africa’s industries obtain access to ctrlX World technology, driving Industry 4.0 in the continent.

Bosch Rexroth’s ctrlX AUTOMATION platform removes traditional boundaries between machine control systems, IT and the Internet of Things (IoT). It provides all the building blocks for complete automation solutions from controllers and I/Os, IPCs, HMIs, drives and safety solutions to comprehensive motion, PLC and IoT functions. Software functions are combinable in many ways with ready-made, customised and customisable apps. These apps can be created in various programming languages like C++, script languages like Python, or new graphical languages like Blockly. Driving end users to Industry 4.0 control, the platform is driven by ctrlX CORE, a high-performance 64-bit multicore CPU that forms the basis for 70% of all general automation tasks.

“Be it in the automotive, packaging or process industry, pneumatic sensors provide input from the shop floor. With the sensors and actuators, we ensure quick and easy integration into the ctrlX AUTOMATION environment via IO-link or EtherCAT,” explains Torsten Wöhler, Senior Vice President of Sales & Product Marketing, SMC.

“ctrlX World partners have a common goal”, says Steffen Winkler, Senior Vice President of Sales of the Automation & Electrification Solutions Business Unit, Bosch Rexroth. “To simplify and improve the various processes of industrial automation. This ranges from apps for robot integration to AI solutions and tools for energy management. We can, therefore, solve all challenges – whether simple or complex – via our platform and the partner world,” he concludes.