• Modular software and hardware solutions for easy integration in industrial mobile robots
• High degree of freedom with open standards and interfaces
• Reduce development effort and speed up time to market

Figure 1: Bosch Rexroth’s robotics suite ROKIT and AUTOMATION suite ctrlX AUTOMATION simplify and accelerate the development and commissioning of autonomous guided vehicles. (Photo credit: Bosch Rexroth)

When it comes to mobile robot automation, Bosch Rexroth continues to explore modular software and hardware solutions. This enables manufacturers and system integrators to have maximum freedom at different levels in terms of function expansion of individual vehicles, centralized management of fleets and equipment. They can flexibly combine the necessary robotics and automation components according to their needs, thus benefiting from minimal integration effort.

Transportation and logistics are two of the most common application areas for autonomous guided vehicles and autonomous mobile robots, and these areas are currently experiencing rapid growth. In this context, both traditional enterprises and startups have invested great enthusiasm in the research of new concept products. With the robotics suite ROKIT and the AUTOMATION suite ctrlX AUTOMATION, Bosch Rexroth offers manufacturers and system integrators modular solutions with a high degree of flexibility, enabling them to put their respective expertise into practice and achieve rapid development, thereby differentiating themselves from the competition.

Easy automation without expertise

The modular suite ROKIT consists of software and hardware components that facilitate the autonomy of multiple vehicle architectures. As an open system solution, its modules can be seamlessly integrated into higher-level control systems and are compatible with mature industrial PCS, operating systems and liDAR. ROKIT Locator determines the location of the vehicle in real time and automatically generates a map of the surrounding environment without any structural changes.

Control and connectivity of ROKIT products can be achieved through an open user interface (API). The graphical user interface aXessor is now a default component of the ROKIT product package and is fully functional. The central management interface, with its intuitive display, is a fast and transparent means for quick engineering design as well as commissioning, operation and vehicle maintenance. All of this can be achieved without any specialized knowledge. ROKIT Locator determines the location of the vehicle in real time and automatically generates a map of the surrounding environment without any structural changes. The security features of FailSafe over EtherCAT (FSoE) communication mode using the Industrial Ethernet bus reduce the amount of wiring required and ensure that the mobile robot has the necessary security.

All missions use the same control system

The ctrlX CORE control platform combines all the tasks that used to be distributed on PCS, PLCS, and security controls to reduce the number of components used by developers and the required installation space. At the same time, the amount of cabling required has decreased due to functional integration and the adoption of modern communication interfaces. The AUTOMATION suite ctrlX AUTOMATION is based entirely on open standards such as EtherCAT, OPC UA, MQTT or VDA 5050. The ctrlX Data Layer ensures fast and error-free data exchange between processes and security functions. All security information is exchanged through the FSoE connection. As a result, manufacturers can obtain functional security corresponding to PLD-level performance with minimal effort. Bosch Rexroth’s ctrlX SAFETY provides the necessary interfaces and modules for this purpose. Security arithmetic operations can be performed in addition to standard functions.

Robot tasks suitable for AMR, such as additional manipulators, are implemented through integrated motion control. Additional connected sensors and actuators allow for integration of other functions, such as automatic opening of the roller shutter or communication with other peripheral units.

Updates through central device management

ctrlX CORE is based on the Linux operating system and application technology. Developers can choose from a wide range of Bosch Rexroth applications, utilize third-party applications or create their own. Even after delivery, updates or additional applications can be quickly and easily installed. To this end, ctrlX AUTOMATION supports central fleet management through the ctrlX device portal, enabling remote management of all vehicles in the fleet.

Developers can conceptual integrate various components of the robotics suite ROKIT and the AUTOMATION suite ctrlX AUTOMATION step by step. The combination of the consistent modularity and openness of the engineering tools and components dramatically reduces the development effort of automated guided vehicle systems and autonomous mobile robots, thereby speeding up time to market.