One Java to connect them all

Programmers are now also developing directly on Rexroth controls with the globally established Java technology in parallel with PLC automation. Java programming allows for quick implementation of individual applications on the IndraMotion MLC control platform, simple connection to higher-level IT systems and linking with cloud-based services. Programmers no longer have to write any PLC code for this.

Rexroth has now embedded the Java runtime environment from Oracle – Java 8 SE Embedded – in the IndraMotion MLC motion logic system and has all of the necessary software components available. The Java applications run alone or in parallel with the PLC program and directly access over 500 control functions via the Java API of the Open Core Interface. Java technology is installed on almost all PCs and the majority of smartphones and tablets worldwide. More than nine million programmers currently work with this technology and have already created a multitude of cloud solutions and business applications. As an open standard that is supported by numerous different industries, Java guarantees higher investment security than manufacturer-specific solutions. 

Download programs for flexible production

Machine manufacturers, software companies and end users can now develop their own Java-based applications, service concepts and business models with little effort, or buy programs inexpensively for Rexroth control. Rexroth uses an OSGi framework as the basis for Java development. With this, several Java applications run in parallel and can be exchanged during operation. In this way, within a flexible production system, users can install changing Java programs onto the control to adapt production for new requirements – smaller batch sizes without changeover times – or to gain additional process and service information.

Cloud applications ready for use in a few days

All relevant suppliers of cloud-based services offer largely completed Java solutions for registration, login and the secure exchange of data. These functions now have direct access to the Rexroth controls. This means that complex custom client programming on the PLC level is not necessary. Companies can concentrate on identifying, collecting and transferring the relevant parameters for evaluation in the cloud. An experienced Java programmer only needs a few days to create such a solution. They do not need to write any new PLC programs for it.

Higher availability through data evaluation

The combination of Java apps, PLC program and cloud services allows the continuous monitoring of the process quality and all operating conditions. A local Java app that is connected with a cloud service can therefore send status data of the PLC program independently of the operating condition. This strengthens the informative value of condition monitoring and the predictive maintenance concepts based on this. The first applications of these smart services from Rexroth show significantly increased availability.

WebConnector universal translator 

With the WebConnector "universal translator", Rexroth offers a first custom Java application for the IndraMotion MLC control system. It allows web applications based on HTML5 and Javascript direct access to control functions with different end devices such as smartphones or tablets without increased programming effort. This further simplifies the development of web-based diagnosis, visualization or analysis apps.