Rexroth takes users on a digital journey of Linear Motion Technology

Instead of the previously strictly separate work steps in the dimensioning, configuration, start-up, actual use and diagnosis of Linear Motion Systems, Bosch Rexroth shows with a trade fair exhibit as a study the advantages of a continuous digital journey through the entire life cycle. Here, software tools and all individual pieces of information accompany the components and systems of Linear Motion Technology. At the Automatica 2018 trade fair, Bosch Rexroth is using a multi-axis system with its own intelligence as an example to present the entire range of production-ready and close-to-production digital solutions with which design engineers and users can react to changing conditions more quickly and flexibly than ever before.

Design engineers are under enormous time pressure and every simplification in the workflow helps them. Bosch Rexroth follows this approach with coordinated online tools for selecting, dimensioning and configuring linear axes and multi-axis systems. All design engineers have to do is enter the limit conditions such as stroke, workpiece weight, and cycle time. The tools generate suggestions that the user checks in his CAD environment and then simply orders at the click of a mouse. In the future, a digital twin will accompany the components and systems for the whole product lifecycle. The twin fits into all virtual environments and enables successful simulations to be loaded directly into the control system, for example. 

Digital name plates of the Linear Motion Systems transmit all individual product data during commissioning or service, and the technician can immediately start fine adjustment. In the development of new software tools, Bosch Rexroth follows the operating philosophies of mobile devices, which users know very well from their private lives. For this reason, you can quickly find your way on the user interfaces of the Linear Motion Technology software tools by tapping, zooming or swiping. 

In the factory of the future, sensors will constantly determine all operating and environmental data of all machine modules. Here Rexroth opens up high degrees of freedom: In addition to the absolute value position, sensors integrated in the runner blocks of the linear guides also detect other operating conditions such as temperature or vibrations. The intelligent servomotors, which also perform sensor functions, offer a second option. Users can also attach sensors from the Bosch Rexroth portfolio externally to the axes and connect them via open interfaces. Within the scope of condition monitoring, the sensor information indicates necessary maintenance and repair tasks, and even automatic ordering of spare parts. 

The digitization of Linear Motion Technology by Bosch Rexroth exploits previously unused potential for increasing productivity and flexibility in day-to-day operation. Some of the software solutions presented by Bosch Rexroth are already available, are about to be released or give an outlook on what will come in the next few years.