Modular Automation: Speeding up the Development and Debugging of Mobile Robots

Modular Automation: Speeding up the development and debugging of mobile robots

Robotics and automation components from Bosch Rexroth help simplify and accelerate the development and commissioning of automated guided vehicle systems

▲Modular software and hardware solutions for easy integration in industrial mobile robots

▲Open standards and interfaces provide high freedom

▲Reduce development workload and speed up time to market

Figure 1: Bosch Rexroth's robotics kit ROKIT and automation kit ctrlX AUTOMATION simplify and accelerate the development and commissioning of automated guided vehicles. (Image source: Bosch Rexroth)

In terms of mobile robot automation, Bosch Rexroth is continuing to explore modular software and hardware solutions. This allows manufacturers and system integrators to have maximum freedom at different levels, such as functional expansion of individual vehicles, centralized management of fleets and equipment. They can flexibly combine the necessary robots and automation components according to their needs, thus benefiting from minimal integration work.

Transportation and logistics are the two most common application areas for automated guided vehicles and autonomous mobile robots, and these areas are currently in a rapid growth phase. In this context, both traditional companies and start-ups have invested great enthusiasm in the research of new concept products. Bosch Rexroth uses the robot kit ROKIT and the automation kit ctrlX AUTOMATION to provide manufacturers and system integrators with highly flexible modular solutions, enabling them to put their respective expertise into practice and achieve rapid development, thereby standing out from the competition.

Easy automation without expertise

The modular kit ROKIT consists of software and hardware components that facilitate the autonomy of various 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. The positioning software ROKIT Locator determines the vehicle's position in real time and automatically generates a map of the surrounding environment without any structural changes.

Control and connection of ROKIT products can be done via an open user interface (API). The graphical user interface aXessor is now a default component of the ROKIT product package and is fully functional. This central management interface has an intuitive display and is a fast and transparent means for fast engineering design as well as commissioning, operation and vehicle maintenance. All this can be achieved without any special knowledge. The laser positioning software ROKIT Locator determines the vehicle position in real time and automatically generates a map of the surrounding environment without any structural modification measures. Safety functions using the industrial Ethernet bus FailSafe over EtherCAT (FSoE) communication method reduce the amount of wiring required and ensure the necessary safety of mobile robots.

All tasks use the same control system

The control platform ctrlX CORE combines all tasks that were previously distributed on PCs, PLCs and safety controls, thereby reducing the number of components used by developers and the required installation space. At the same time, the amount of wiring required is reduced due to the integration of functions and the use of modern communication interfaces. The automation package ctrlX AUTOMATION is completely based on open standards such as EtherCAT, OPC UA, MQTT or VDA 5050. The ctrlX Data Layer ensures fast and error-free data exchange between process and safety functions. All safety information exchange is achieved via FSoE connections. As a result, manufacturers can achieve functional safety corresponding to PLd level performance with minimal effort. ctrlX SAFETY from Bosch Rexroth provides the necessary interfaces and modules for this. In addition to standard functions, safe arithmetic operations can also be performed.

Robotic tasks suitable for AMRs, such as attaching manipulators, are realized by integrated motion control. Additional connected sensors and actuators enable the integration of further functions, such as automatic opening of roller shutters or communication with other peripheral units.

Updates via central device management

ctrlX CORE is based on the Linux operating system and application technology. Developers can choose from a wide range of applications from Bosch Rexroth, leverage third-party applications or create their own applications. Even after delivery, updates or installation of additional applications can be done quickly and easily. For this purpose, ctrlX AUTOMATION supports central fleet management via the ctrlX Device Portal, enabling remote management of all vehicles in the fleet.

Developers can integrate the various components of the Robotics Kit ROKIT and the Automation Kit ctrlX AUTOMATION step by step. The engineering tools combined with the consistent modularity and openness of the components can significantly reduce the development effort for automated guided vehicle systems and autonomous mobile robots, thus accelerating time to market.

As one of the world's leading suppliers of drive and control technology, Bosch Rexroth is committed to providing efficient, powerful and safe intelligent motion solutions for various types of machinery and system equipment. The company has extensive project experience in mobile machinery applications, industrial applications and factory automation, and relies on its intelligent components, customized solutions and engineering services to create a perfect application environment for the realization of interconnected industry. At the same time, Bosch Rexroth also provides customers with a variety of hydraulics, electronic transmission and control, gears, linear transmission and assembly technologies, software and Internet of Things interfaces. The company's business covers more than 80 countries and regions around the world, with more than 32,000 professional employees and global sales of approximately 7 billion euros in 2022.

Since entering the Chinese market in 1978, Bosch Rexroth has established production bases in Beijing, Changzhou and Xi'an, and as of December 2022, has approximately 2,800 employees.

The Bosch Group is a world-leading supplier of technology and services. The Bosch Group has approximately 421,000 employees (as of December 31, 2022). In fiscal 2022, sales were 88.2 billion euros. Bosch's business is divided into four areas, covering automotive and intelligent transportation technology, industrial technology, consumer goods, and energy and building technology. As a leading global supplier of the Internet of Things, Bosch provides innovative solutions for smart homes, Industry 4.0 , and connected transportation, aiming to create a sustainable, safe, and easy future travel vision. Bosch uses its expertise in sensor technology, software, and services, as well as its own cloud platform, to provide customers with integrated cross-domain connected solutions. Promote connected living with products and solutions that have artificial intelligence (AI) functions or use artificial intelligence technology in the development and production process. Through products and services, Bosch provides people with innovative and beneficial solutions to improve their quality of life. With its innovative technology, Bosch is fulfilling its promise of "Technology for life" worldwide. The Group includes Robert Bosch GmbH and its approximately 470 subsidiaries and regional companies in more than 60 countries. If its sales and service partners are included, Bosch's business covers almost every country in the world. In the first quarter of 2020, the Bosch Group achieved carbon neutrality in more than 400 business locations around the world. Bosch's long-term and healthy development is based on its innovative strength. Bosch's R&D network has about 85,500 R&D personnel, including nearly 44,000 software engineers, in 136 countries and regions around the world.