The Sensitive Arm system provides real-time, low-latency force feedback while utilizing integrated torque sensors across all joints.
Kassow Robots , a leading manufacturer of 7-axis collaborative robots, announced its Sensitive Arm technology across its complete range of 7-axis collaborative robots. Introduced at Automate 2025 in Detroit, MI, this advanced force control system integrates high-resolution torque sensors into all seven joints of each robot, enabling manufacturers to automate delicate and contact-sensitive tasks with greater precision, safety and flexibility.
The Sensitive Arm system provides real-time, low-latency force feedback while utilizing integrated torque sensors across all joints. With a sensor resolution of up to 0.024 Nm/bit and a control frequency of 30 kHz, the system enables compliant and nuanced motions essential for complex tasks such as assembly, surface finishing, inspection and delicate handling.
“The Sensitive Arm is transforming how manufacturers approach automation of complex assembly and finishing operations,” said Dieter Pletscher, global sales manager at Kassow Robots. “Our customers are seeing immediate benefits in applications requiring controlled contact forces from precision assembly to surface finishing while maintaining the industrial strength and flexibility that Kassow Robots’ 7-axis design is known for.”
Operators can fine-tune how the robot responds to external forces using a dedicated interface that makes it easy to adjust parameters such as stiffness, damping and end-effector compliance. The system also enables one of the smoothest and most responsive hand-guiding experiences on the market, with minimal resistance and high sensitivity, enabling fast and intuitive programming by demonstration. This significantly reduces the time and complexity involved in deploying new applications.
By eliminating the need for external force and torque sensors, the Sensitive Arm simplifies system integration while improving feedback accuracy. It also improves collaborative safety by enabling faster, more reliable detection of impacts or unexpected contact, creating safer conditions for human-robot interaction on the factory floor.
The Sensitive Arm is available across Kassow Robots’ entire 7-axis collaborative robot portfolio, including new high-payload models, expanding automation possibilities for complex and sensitive tasks. Kassow Robots‘ expanded lineup now offers significantly greater payload capacities while maintaining precision and safety.
To learn how Kassow Robots is advancing collaborative robotics with the Sensitive Arm, please visit https://www.kassowrobots.com/.
In addition to distribution, we design and fabricate complete engineered systems, including hydraulic power units, electrical control panels, pneumatic panels & aluminum framing. Our advanced components and system solutions are found in a wide variety of industrial applications such as wind energy, solar energy, process control and more.
Bountourakis is a Greek manufacturing company specializing in HORECA equipment, supplying Inox stainless steel kitchen units, showcases, and tables—particularly well-known across Heraklion on Crete. To scale up its welding operations, the company turned to Kassow Robots’ partner Netelco S.A. Together, they implemented the KR1805 cobot, enabling flexible welding with both Laser and TIG technologies.
Challenge
A shortage of skilled welders was limiting Bountourakis’ ability to meet growing production demands. “Like a lot of businesses, we find it really hard to find someone who can weld and who can sometimes be flexible with their hours during busy times. As our production is on the island, it makes it even harder,” says Adonis Bountourakis, Head of Production of Bountourakis.
Despite having invested in a laser welder, the company lacked enough staff to operate it, causing significant delays—especially for small parts, which could take days to complete. The goal was to make welding easier, faster, and more scalable.
Solution
Netelco S.A delivered a custom robotic welding cell, equipped with a gripperchanger that allows the robot to switch between laser and TIG welding tools. The laser welder, provided by the customer, was successfully integrated into the setup by Netelco S.A. “We had an initial meeting, then the customer sent us the laser welder and asked us to do some welding with the robot. We showed him how it works. He was really happy with it and decided to go for Kassow Robots. It was a really smooth process”, says Anastasios Paraskevopoulos, sales rep at Netelco S.A.
Thanks to the KR1805’s long reach and 7th axis, the robot is now capable of welding a wide variety of parts such as refrigerators, cooking appliances, ovens and washing /hygiene units—and ready to handle more complex tasks in the future.
Benefits
Bountourakis highlights the ease of use, flexibility, and robustness of the KR1805 cobot. The company has significantly increased its welding throughput while reducing dependence on manual labor—scaling production and staying competitive in a demanding market.
Curious to see how others are automating welding with Kassow Robots? Check out another use case where a flexible cobot setup made all the difference.
In addition to distribution, we design and fabricate complete engineered systems, including hydraulic power units, electrical control panels, pneumatic panels & aluminum framing. Our advanced components and system solutions are found in a wide variety of industrial applications such as wind energy, solar energy, process control and more.
The new standard gripper from the Zimmer Group has got it right
Laboratories are currently facing increasing pressure to automate: the number of samples is growing, traceability is being monitored more strictly, and cycle times are getting shorter—all while maintaining the highest level of precision. Manual steps such as screwing sample tubes open and closed, precisely aligning barcodes, or labeling vials can become bottlenecks if they are not reliably automated. Conventional grippers quickly reach their functional and design limits here.
With the new 2-jaw parallel rotary gripper of the REP2000 series, the Zimmer Group presents a component that combines gripping and turning in a single component – a well-thought-out answer to the high demands of modern laboratory automation.
Maximum functionality in a minimum of space: The compact combination of gripping and turning unit saves valuable installation space in cramped machine layouts. This is a decisive advantage when system modules need to be retrofitted or modernized. Instead of two separate modules, only one drive needs to be controlled. This reduces the amount of wiring, simplifies installation, and, last but not least, saves investment and operating costs.
Flexibility as standard: IO-Link as the key
Control via IO-Link takes the REP2000 to a new level. Users can vary the stroke of the gripping jaws to suit different vial and container diameters. At the same time, the swivel angle of the continuously rotatable unit can be precisely adjusted to the process. This means that a wide variety of container types can be opened, closed, or precisely positioned automatically without the need for mechanical modifications or long downtimes.
This flexibility is a decisive advantage for maximizing system availability, especially in laboratories where product changes or different sample batches are frequently processed.
Process reliability is also ensured in emergencies: Sample material is precious – any loss means time and money. This makes the mechanical self-locking mechanism of the REP2000 all the more important: in the event of a power failure, it holds the workpiece securely in place. An integrated emergency release allows the gripper to be opened manually so that samples can be removed quickly and safely – a safety feature that makes all the difference in an emergency.
With up to five million maintenance-free cycles, the REP2000 proves that high cycle counts and compact design are not mutually exclusive. Thanks to integrated position sensing, every stroke is monitored – this increases process quality and facilitates preventive maintenance. The REP2000 also has IP54 protection.
Specific application: faster sample throughput
The flexibility is evident in practice: in an automated sample preparation line, the REP2000 can take over the automated opening and closing of sample tubes. At the same time, it aligns the vessels precisely so that barcodes can be reliably detected. Two work steps, one component – the time savings are measurable and the process is more stable.
Conclusion: Compact solution for complex tasks
The REP2000 provides system integrators and laboratory operators with a cost-effective solution for typical automation challenges in the laboratory: less installation space, fewer components, less downtime – with maximum process reliability. For anyone who wants to make their systems fit for increasing sample numbers and flexible processing, the 2-jaw parallel rotary gripper from the REP2000 series is the next logical step.
In addition to distribution, we design and fabricate complete engineered systems, including hydraulic power units, electrical control panels, pneumatic panels & aluminum framing. Our advanced components and system solutions are found in a wide variety of industrial applications such as wind energy, solar energy, process control and more.
Five key technologies shaping warehouse and logistics automation
Reading Time: 5 minutes
In my work at Balluff, I have seen firsthand how intralogistics is evolving through smarter automation. Faster deliveries, real-time tracking, and flexible production are becoming more and more a standard in supply chains. At the same time, companies face labor shortages, skill gaps, and rising demands for efficiency and sustainability.
Automation plays a major role in addressing these challenges, ensuring that operations stay accurate, scalable, and reliable. In a previous post, Automation, Networking and Sensors in Intralogistics, we discussed how industrial networks, sensors, and traceability systems are integrated into everyday warehouse operations.
Let me share some additional thoughts on five key areas of automation technology that continue to shape these processes.
Digitized controls architecture
Modern industrial networks make it easier to connect devices to control systems on conveyors, automated storage systems, and robotic platforms. With open standards such as IO-Link, installations become simpler and less expensive because sensor wiring is minimized and diagnostic data is more accessible. Networking also makes system expansion and device replacement faster and simpler; and I have found that this approach not only streamlines installation but also reduces troubleshooting time when issues arise.
Seamless device connectivity through modern networks enhanced by IO-Link masters and hubs reduces complexity, speeds up installation, and simplifies troubleshooting.
End-to-end traceability
Knowing the location of each package or product at every stage in the facility is key. Whether using RFID or a code reading solution (for example: barcodes, DMC codes, 2D codes), clear identification is important for ensuring the correct handling and movement of goods. In my experience, systems that maintain accurate traceability contribute to improved order accuracy, better transparency and a smoother flow of operations.
Real-time tracking with RFID ensures every package is where it should be, reducing errors and improving process transparency.
Fast-paced object detection
A range of sensors including photoelectric, inductive, ultrasonic, and capacitive types are used to detect items in real-time. These sensors, integrated with conveyor systems and storage equipment, help monitor the presence, position, and movement of objects. I have observed that accurate object detection leads to more reliable process controls and better overall performance in handling tasks. aben führt.
Photoelectric sensors detect objects, increasing throughput and preventing bottlenecks in high-speed operations.
Condition monitoring of equipment
Preventing unplanned downtime is important in keeping operations running smoothly. By continuously monitoring factors like vibration, temperature, and pressure, condition monitoring systems alert operators to potential issues before they result in a breakdown. This proactive approach can extend equipment life and ensure steady performance across a facility. I’m seeing many companies start with condition monitoring as the first step towards predictive maintenance and improving Overall Equipment Effectiveness.
Continuous monitoring with condition monitoring sensors on conveyor belt motors prevents costly downtime and keeps equipment reliable and productive.
Vision-based systems
Camera systems solve many applications including code reading, quality assurance, palletizing, picking, or placing and sorting. Such systems improve automated handling of a range of products, ensuring accurate identification and placement. For instance, in-line inspection detects damage to goods or packages, minimizing faulty deliveries. In addition, AI-enhanced 3D vision enables collaborative and industrial robots to recognize and pick objects of varying shapes and positions. I see vision technology becoming increasingly important for traceability, object detection, and quality control in intralogistics processes.
AI-powered machine vision enhances automation, making picking, sorting, and quality control more accurate and adaptable.
In summary, each of these technologies plays a key role in future-proofing operations such as conveying and transporting, storage and retrieval, and robotic sorting and picking. In future articles, we’ll take a closer look at these topics and real-world examples.
In addition to distribution, we design and fabricate complete engineered systems, including hydraulic power units, electrical control panels, pneumatic panels & aluminum framing. Our advanced components and system solutions are found in a wide variety of industrial applications such as wind energy, solar energy, process control and more.
Cabinet-free servo drive technology boasts a number of crucial benefits – simple installation, drastically reduced space requirements, minimum cabling and high flexibility. The ctrlX DRIVE cabinet-free IP65/IP67 system virtually eliminates the control cabinet, thus creating space for modular, lean production systems. Andreas Knops explains the system’s distinguishing features.
ctrlX DRIVE cabinet-free is the latest generation of cabinet-free servo drive technology from Bosch Rexroth. What is different about it?
This solution is the successor to the existing IndraDrive Mi cabinet-free drive system. We develop the entire drive technology portfolio based on the compact and open ctrlX DRIVE technology. Over 20 years of experience in cabinet-free drive technology have gone into ctrlX DRIVE cabinet-free, taking it to a new level.
Key new developments include the expansion of the power increments, the cooling concept and new topology options. We offer the inverters as a single-axis variant in six increments from 6 A to 54 A and as a double-axis variant in five increments from 6 A to 30 A maximum current. With a maximum current of up to 54 A, users are now able to choose whether to realize their machine with a control cabinet, without a control cabinet or with a combination of both variants.
This allows the greatest possible flexibility for both existing and completely new application scenarios.
For which applications is this drive system intended?
ctrlX DRIVE cabinet-free is particularly suitable for machines in which saving space and minimizing cabling are key requirements. It also helps to reduce the machine footprint.
In addition, the drive system supports the realization of modular machine concepts, which pays dividends in both production and later use. In concrete terms, this means that the production of the machine can be modularized more easily and that end users will be able to subsequently expand the machines with additional modules according to their needs.
What specific savings will be achieved?
We calculate the savings made on a case-by-case basis together with our customers. They can be quantified over the entire life cycle based on the machine design, the operating mode and the operating time.
Because the solution almost completely eliminates the control cabinet, the space and cabling required is reduced by up to 90%. This results in a more compact design and provides the option of mounting the device directly, for example on the machine frame. This not only saves time and costs, but also makes assembly, project planning and operation easier.
In addition, the solution enables significant energy savings of up to 70 percent. The decentralized design eliminates energy consumption for control cabinet air-conditioning, which lowers operating costs. In addition, the ctrlX DRIVE cabinet-free version uses silicon carbide semiconductors (SiC technology), which significantly reduce energy losses and thus increase overall energy efficiency. By using SiC semiconductors, power losses can be reduced by up to 60 percent compared to IGBT technology.
Operating the inverters on a common DC link for the purpose of energy exchange also helps increase overall efficiency. Depending on the operating mode of the machine, we also utilize various options – e.g. energy recovery, passive or active energy storage, peak load reduction – to reduce the energy requirement specifically for the respective application.
Why is ctrlX DRIVE cabinet-free designed according to protection class IP65/IP67?
The IP65/IP67 protection rating ensures that the system works reliably even in harsh or extreme conditions – for example, where protection against water jets is required.
Due to its openness, the drive system can be seamlessly integrated into a wide variety of automation architectures. With all its features and benefits, ctrlX DRIVE speeds up cabinet-free development and commissioning processes – and supports consistently flexible, cost-efficient and energy-saving production.
In addition to distribution, we design and fabricate complete engineered systems, including hydraulic power units, electrical control panels, pneumatic panels & aluminum framing. Our advanced components and system solutions are found in a wide variety of industrial applications such as wind energy, solar energy, process control and more.
As the industrial landscape diversifies and becomes more complex, companies are looking for industrial enclosure and cooling solutions that can make processes simpler, more automated, and more efficient.
Smart automation solutions remove inefficient manual processes that lack visibility and transparency — particularly in the enclosure climate control space — now that integrated enclosure cooling has emerged as a flexible and versatile configuration of enclosure cooling.
Integrated cooling reduces the amount of external equipment necessary to dissipate heat and maintain optimal operating temperatures while providing more targeted, energy-efficient cooling.
Let’s look at a couple of key benefits of integrated enclosure cooling to better understand why companies are embracing this method of enclosure climate control.
Integrated enclosure cooling reduces your BOM and overall automation footprint
Integrated enclosure cooling helps mitigate the complexity of climate control by simplifying your bill of materials (BOM). This helps reduce the number of enclosure cooling units and accessories designers need to specify in order to ensure enclosures operate at peak performance.
Eliminating the number of externally mounted cooling units or accessories helps conserve valuable production room space and makes it easier to leverage cooling in more unique or challenging floorplans. A simplified BOM with a significantly reduced list of part numbers also streamlines and accelerates the process of installing and assembling equipment on the factory floor.
This is an important benefit given market forces like labor shortages and cost — time is money, and integrated enclosure cooling can help save on both.
Rittal TopTherm Filter Fan Units with EC technology
Integrated enclosure cooling simplifies maintenance and upkeep processes
Most integrated enclosure cooling units use a fan-filter operating model to cool the enclosure and ensure peak performance. Compared to other enclosure cooling solutions, these fans and filters have fewer components and are quicker and easier to service or clean. The simplified design increases application and deployment flexibility while making maintenance and troubleshooting both faster and easier.
The Rittal NEMA 3R Vented Drive Box leverages an easy-to-access, top-mounted design to help accelerate routine maintenance and filter washing. These maintenance tasks can be conducted without the need for specialized tooling to minimize downtime, and filters can be quickly and easily replaced in the event that washing doesn’t quite do the trick.
Integrated enclosure cooling creates more targeted, efficient climate control
Integrated enclosure cooling units use high-performance fans to transfer additional thermal loads away from the enclosure. Not only does this help increase cooling efficiency, but it also helps reduce energy consumption and cooling costs via more direct, consistent cooling.
Fan-filter units help ensure optimal thermal management to prevent overheating and maintain efficient operation. What’s more, top-mounted fan-and-filter units allow for easy access, which makes it faster and easier to modify cooling outputs in real time based on production demands.
The Rittal NEMA 3R Vented Drive Box provides integrated cooling with an adjustable thermostat that comes standard with the enclosure for more precise cooling outputs and energy usage. In addition, the variable configurations of the NEMA 3R Drive Box mean companies can harness the power and cost-saving measures of integrated enclosure cooling in a wide range of applications, from uncontrolled indoor deployments to extreme outdoor sites.
But all this flexibility doesn’t come at the expense of protection and durability. The NEMA 3R enclosure offers superior corrosion resistance, complete with a three-phase surface finish and a silicone gasket to prevent contamination and extend the lifespan of your equipment.
Rittal’s commitment to innovative, efficient enclosure cooling goes well beyond the NEMA 3R enclosure. Our line of enclosure climate control equipment has a solution for every industrial cooling application or deployment, with an eye toward reducing costs, increasing productivity, and elevating sustainability.
In addition to distribution, we design and fabricate complete engineered systems, including hydraulic power units, electrical control panels, pneumatic panels & aluminum framing. Our advanced components and system solutions are found in a wide variety of industrial applications such as wind energy, solar energy, process control and more.
The food and beverage industry relies on innovative solutions to remain energy-efficient and sustainable. At a renowned coffee manufacturer’s research and production facility, cutting-edge solutions are continually explored to support advanced product development. The facility, which has optimized processes like freeze-drying roasted coffee, partnered with Rittal to address the energy challenges associated with enclosure cooling.
The Challenge
The coffee manufacturer’s research center required a solution to address the exploitation of energy in cooling while reducing CO2 emissions. With the facility’s focus on innovation, identifying a technology that combined efficiency and reliability was paramount. The goal was to integrate a more sustainable solution while cutting energy costs. Thankfully, Rittal had the perfect solution for the situation.
The Rittal Solution
Rittal proposed a year-long comparative test of the in-service Blue e cooling units and the enhanced Blue e+ cooling units, which are currently the most energy efficient thermal solutions on the market. Both units were mounted on identical Rittal enclosures already in operation at the facility. During the test, Rittal provided the Blue e+ cooling unit, measurement protocols, and monitoring devices. Results demonstrated a 72% reduction in power consumption with the Blue e+ unit, all thanks to a hybrid cooling approach that combines speed-controlled compressors and innovative heat pipe technology. The system’s advanced design ensures optimal cooling capacity, energy efficiency, and seamless digital monitoring, meaning that the temperature inside the enclosure remains steady and consistent without large spikes and valleys of energy usage.
The Results
The impressive 72% reduced energy consumption not only helped the coffee manufacturer significantly lower energy costs but also contributed to their sustainability goals by reducing CO2 emissions. By implementing advanced cooling technology, the manufacturer transformed their operations beyond what is possible with other leading solutions on the market. Additionally, the Blue e+ unit’s digital interfaces enabled real-time data access and fault alerts, ensuring improved system reliability over time.
Conclusion
“We are always motivated to help genuine innovations make a real breakthrough,” said the project manager for the coffee manufacturer. By leveraging the advanced capabilities of the Rittal Blue e+ cooling system, the coffee manufacturer achieved its goals of energy efficiency, sustainability, and operational cost reduction for many more years of excellent brews.
Contact Rittal for Energy-Efficient Solutions
Are you seeking a more sustainable and cost-effective cooling solution for your facility? Explore how Rittal’s advanced cooling technologies can optimize your operations. Contact us today to learn more about how you can optimize your processes, from engineering to operations and maintenance.
In addition to distribution, we design and fabricate complete engineered systems, including hydraulic power units, electrical control panels, pneumatic panels & aluminum framing. Our advanced components and system solutions are found in a wide variety of industrial applications such as wind energy, solar energy, process control and more.
ctrlX DRIVE cabinet-free reduces space and cabling by up to 90 percent
Modular, flexible, and energy-efficient IP65 system
Bosch Rexroth is a pioneer in cabinet-free drive technology
Modularity, simple installation, and drastically reduced space requirements as well as minimum cabling – these are the key benefits of cabinet-free drive technology. Based on 20 years of development experience in this field, Bosch Rexroth now also offers a cabinet-free solution in protection class IP65 with the ctrlX DRIVE cabinet-free. Bosch Rexroth sees these solutions as the future of servo drive technology, as they ideally meet the increasing requirements for efficiency and adaptability in modern production environments.
Modular, flexible and energy-efficient system: the new ctrlX DRIVE cabinet-free.
“Today, more than ever, mechanical engineering is about saving space, reducing costs, and enabling rapid adaptation to new challenges,” says Steffen Winkler, Senior Vice President Sales Business Unit Automation & Electrification Solutions at Bosch Rexroth.
Bosch Rexroth is a pioneer in cabinet-free drive technology. The company presented its first solutions some 20 years ago and has been implementing numerous projects worldwide ever since. With the new ctrlX DRIVE cabinet-free, Bosch Rexroth presents the next stage of development for this technology, which meets the requirements of modern machine designs.
The servo drive of the future is flexible and saves space and energy
Control cabinets take up space and are expensive to install and service. The ctrlX DRIVE cabinet-free IP65 system almost completely eliminates the control cabinet and reduces the space and cabling requirements by up to 90 percent. This not only saves time and costs, but also makes assembly, project planning, and operation easier.
Furthermore, the cabinet-free solution enables energy savings of up to 70 percent. The decentralized design eliminates energy consumption for control cabinet air-conditioning, which lowers operating costs. In addition, the ctrlX DRIVE cabinet-free uses silicon carbide semiconductors (SiC technology), which significantly reduce energy losses and thus increase overall energy efficiency.
ctrlX DRIVE cabinet-free offers maximum flexibility in application. Mechanical engineers can choose from an extensive product portfolio that includes single and dual-axis inverters with currents from 6 to 54 A. The drives are freely scalable – up to 100 drives can be operated in a line with a total length of up to 200 m. With multi-Ethernet interfaces, freely selectable motors, and modular expansion options, the system offers solutions for a wide range of industries and applications.
The machine can be adapted and expanded easily thanks to the system’s modular design. As a result, machines can be flexibly configured to meet new requirements without having to completely change existing structures.
“Cabinet-free drive technology already pays off during the machine development process. It speeds up time-to-market and project realization. And in practical applications, users benefit from greater flexibility and potential savings, for example in terms of energy. With ctrlX DRIVE cabinet-free, we are driving forward the development of innovative, future-oriented machines,” says Winkler.
In addition to distribution, we design and fabricate complete engineered systems, including hydraulic power units, electrical control panels, pneumatic panels & aluminum framing. Our advanced components and system solutions are found in a wide variety of industrial applications such as wind energy, solar energy, process control and more.
More and more AI-assisted applications are being integrated into automation systems
Sustainable manufacturing becomes a strategic goal
The future lies in ecosystems and collaborative innovations
Economic uncertainties, growing regulatory pressure, and a shortage of skilled workers are holding back the industry’s competitiveness and ability to innovate. Automation is a powerful lever to meet these challenges. Bosch Rexroth sees four key trends shaping automation in 2025: increased security measures through the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA), artificial intelligence as an efficiency booster, more sustainability as a response to stricter environmental requirements, and open ecosystems for more innovation.
Increased security measures, artificial intelligence and more sustainability. These are the automation trends from Bosch Rexroth’s perspective for the year 2025. (Image source: Bosch Rexroth AG, created with the help of AI)
“Automation remains the key to making the industry future-proof and competitive. It enables efficiency gains, new business models, and added value. We are seeing more and more companies relying on automation platforms with ecosystems, as they offer the greatest possible scope for action. This trend will also continue to increase in 2025,” explains Steffen Winkler, Senior Vice President Sales Business Unit Automation & Electrification Solutions at Bosch Rexroth.
Even greater focus on security with the Cyber Resilience Act
The Cyber Resilience Act (CRA), which came into force at the end of 2024, presents manufacturers and operators of industrial automation systems with new security requirements. The European regulation aims to improve security standards for digital products, thus increasing their resilience to cyber attacks. Products should be securely designed and updatable throughout their entire life cycle.
“IT security is more essential than ever for successful digitization strategies and products. The CRA provides clear requirements – this is an important step toward creating a high level of security across the board and strengthening user confidence in digital solutions. We therefore need to make automation solutions fit for these challenges, as we have already done with our operating system ctrlX OS. It is designed to be secure from the ground up and is therefore ideally prepared for the requirements of the CRA,” says Winkler.
For companies in the automation industry, the CRA means an even more intensive focus on security and product integrity. Adherence to the new directives requires a rethink that starts in product development.
AI is a driver of innovation in automation
Artificial intelligence is set to become even more important in 2025 – including in the automation industry. More and more AI-assisted applications are being integrated into automation systems. AI-assisted apps are already available in the partner network ctrlX World.
Artificial intelligence is increasingly embedded in software. AI-assisted software modules, such as neural networks for image processing solutions, are changing the possibilities for automation. AI also provides new operational insights in practice by analyzing data flows in automation devices. And it changes the way we work, for example, in software development. Tools, such as coding co-pilots, speed up programming and enable code to be written faster.
This enables significant efficiency gains both in the development of automation technologies and in their application.
Sustainability as a strategic goal
Sustainability and energy efficiency will continue to challenge industry and therefore also the automation sector. Industry plays a crucial role in achieving the global climate targets. Sustainable manufacturing requires zero emissions, resource efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.
More and more energy-saving functions are therefore being incorporated into automation components. Tools to simulate energy and performance also make an important contribution to optimizing manufacturing processes. There is further potential in the professional reprocessing of automation components: remanufacturing reduces the carbon footprint of used components by more than 50 percent compared to new products and conserves precious resources.
Open ecosystems for collaborative innovations
“The German automation industry is a global leader. To maintain and expand this leading position, it is essential to strengthen Germany as a business location and to boost the industry’s competitiveness even more,” says Winkler, adding: “Simply being at the technological forefront is not enough to remain successful in global competition in the long term.”
The key lies in open platforms and collaborative ecosystems that create real benefits for users. Such ecosystems combine the strengths of different players and thus enable the development of new, innovative approaches. This creates a culture of collaboration in which partners from different areas work together on solutions that go far beyond the capabilities of individual companies. In addition, open cooperation strengthens users’ trust in digital technologies by providing them with more flexible, interoperable, and future-proof solutions.
Bosch Rexroth constantly drives forward openness and co-creation in the automation world with its operating system ctrlX OS and the automation system ctrlX AUTOMATION.
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.
In addition to distribution, we design and fabricate complete engineered systems, including hydraulic power units, electrical control panels, pneumatic panels & aluminum framing. Our advanced components and system solutions are found in a wide variety of industrial applications such as wind energy, solar energy, process control and more.
The IO-Link communication interface offers tangible benefits: quick and cost-saving installation, continuous diagnostics and quick sensor replacement, because these can be configured from a central location. All in all, this provides more flexibility and increases the efficiency of automation.
Easy installation
For IO-Link all you need is an industry-standard three- or four-conductor cable. The uniform standard interface can be quickly integrated into the fieldbus world. Even complex devices can be easily integrated. What is particularly interesting is that even without expensive, shielded cabling, the digital communication ensures noise immunity. Analog signals are digitized with no conversion losses.
IO-Link increases machine availability
IO-Link enables quick and error-free exchange of sensors and shortens the time needed to start system operation. Downtime can be significantly reduced, since the IO-Link master or the controller automatically writes the parameters of a replaced IO-Link sensor onto the new sensor. Commissioning processes, format changes or recipe changes are handled centrally via the controller’s function modules. This saves time and minimizes the potential for mistakes. Additional advantages for you: IO-Link devices cannot be confused with each other as they are automatically identifiable via IO-Link.
IO-Link enables need-oriented maintenance
Continuous diagnostic data for the entire process extends your service intervals, since automatic readjustment via IO-Link means you need to perform maintenance much less frequently on equipment and machines. Now, predictive error detection is even possible because complete process parameters are consistently displayed in the controller.
IO-Link makes operation more efficient
IO-Link sensors can be positioned in the machine directly at the location of operation because the sensor’s accessibility no longer plays a role. That is optimal in terms of technical aspects of the process. Process monitoring, configuration and error analysis of the IO-Link sensors take place in the controller. Machine processes are now time-optimized. Additionally, signal delays and distortions are reliably eliminated because the digital transmission of data also ensures high signal quality. A wide range of application requirements can be easily met with IO-Link due to standard binary and analog devices being used at the same time as IO-Link sensors and actuators.
IO-Link offers a high-performance, consistent network
Control concepts using IO-Link provide you with simple and universal solutions for a high-performance, consistent network, meaning you benefit from lower costs and are more flexibility than ever.
We Speak IO-Link
The advantages of IO-Link are obvious: easy installation, high machine availability, need-oriented maintenance, efficient operation and a high-performance, consistent network. As an engaged partner for industrial automation, Balluff offers not only an enormously wide spectrum of products and services with devices such as our IO-Link master, IO-Link hubs and IO-Link sensors, but together with you also develops solutions for industrial automation that are precisely suited to your needs and are globally applicable.
In addition to distribution, we design and fabricate complete engineered systems, including hydraulic power units, electrical control panels, pneumatic panels & aluminum framing. Our advanced components and system solutions are found in a wide variety of industrial applications such as wind energy, solar energy, process control and more.
