Software-controlled automated systems optimize data collection and communication

Garrett Wagg, product manager, ctrlX Automation, Bosch Rexroth: The primary focus of SDA is to improve and expand industrial or enterprise processes by using software to control and manage automated systems. This allows for optimal data collection and communication. 

What are the primary benefits of software-defined automation?

Garrett Wagg, product manager, ctrlX Automation, Bosch Rexroth: The primary benefit of SDA is detaching the control logic from the physical machinery and allowing you to control, monitor and adjust automated processes through software interfaces rather than rewiring or manually adjusting a piece of hardware. 

How does software-defined automation figure in the convergence of IT and OT?

Garrett Wagg, product manager, ctrlX Automation, Bosch Rexroth: SDA is the binding factor that allows IT and OT to integrate seamlessly. Software-defined automation takes the control of OT systems and puts it into software layers, which allows IT to easily interact.

Which standards and protocols will be affected most or increase/decrease in use because of software-defined automation?

Garrett Wagg, product manager, ctrlX Automation, Bosch Rexroth: The most affected protocols and standards include OPC UA, message queuing telemetry transport (MQTT), Ethernet/IP, time-sensitive networking (TSN) and cybersecurity standards like IEC 62443.

Which components will see the biggest impact from software-defined automation?

Garrett Wagg, product manager, ctrlX Automation, Bosch Rexroth: Programmable logic controllers (PLCs), edge devices, gateways, servers and cloud infrastructure, legacy equipment are greatly impacted by software-defined automation. With a stronger focus on software, things like communication, data, flexibility and openness are prioritized. We will continue to see this trend reflected across new software and hardware releases.

In what ways does software-defined automation allow machine builders more flexibility in hardware selection and management?

Garrett Wagg, product manager, ctrlX Automation, Bosch Rexroth: Software-defined automation allows for flexibility in managing brownfield applications with legacy hardware by using gateways or middleware. Builders can also mix and match different companies’ equipment by utilizing standard interfaces like OPC UA and MQTT.

How can machine builders prepare for and leverage software-defined automation?

Garrett Wagg, product manager, ctrlX Automation, Bosch Rexroth: Machine builders can implement software-defined automation layers today and scale and add flexibility for the future. They can do this by setting up software layers and pushing updates and new features via software. The builders can continue to expand and update with new hardware that can utilize software-defined automation.

How does software-defined automation build on existing IT and network infrastructure in factories and plants?

Garrett Wagg, product manager, ctrlX Automation, Bosch Rexroth: Software-defined automation taps into established IT networks like Ethernet or 5G using protocols like OPC UA or MQTT to enhance systems and handle real-time rugged demands of OT. This enables users to have a more seamless, data-driven manufacturing process.

Tell us about your company’s state-of-the-art product that involves software-defined automation.

Garrett Wagg, product manager, ctrlX Automation, Bosch Rexroth: The ctrlX Core line of controllers is a scalable, multicore industrial control system that utilizes a real-time Linux-based operating system, ctrlX OS and modular app technology to handle any current or future task in automation. This includes a wide range of PLC functions, IOT integration and advanced motion control.

The ctrlX Automation product line utilizes an app-based, open approach to empower users to take a more software-focused approach to automation.