Safe tire handling in connected production

Tire manufacturers are looking for automation solutions that integrate seamlessly into their IT systems while providing protection against hacker attacks and data theft. The new automation platform ctrlX AUTOMATION from Bosch Rexroth meets these requirements, is also extremely compact and designed for the harsh environmental conditions in tire production. 

ctrlX AUTOMATION is the first automation platform that was developed explicitly for connected applications and the use in the Internet of Things (IoT). It uses the extensive ecosystem of EtherCAT for field communication and fits into connected environments with more than 30 direct connection options to IT and IoT. It also communicates with MES and ERP systems via OPC UA and MQTT. 

The entire automation platform is Secure by Design and complies with the IT security standards according to IEC 62443. The system software offers increased protection against viruses and Trojans. An integrated firewall enables the encrypted transmission of data via VPN and secure remote services. Via the ctrlX Device Portal from Bosch Rexroth, users can centrally manage all intelligent components of ctrlX AUTOMATION and install security updates and new functions from any location. In Secure Production Mode, the system maximizes productivity through non-reactive updates of, for example, IoT functions during the production process. 

The first users, amongst others in the tire industry, are already starting to integrate the drives, which are up to 50 percent more compact than the previous generation, into their plants. In the case of large gantries for the stacking of tires, these drives travel in control cabinets. The new compactness reduces the design effort in the mechanics and the low weight leads to energy savings with every movement in daily operation. The ctrlX CORE control system, which is fully integrated into the drive, does not require any additional installation space. 

Both the ctrlX DRIVE drives and the ctrlX CORE control system have proven their suitability for use in tire production. The results of the mixed gas test correspond to the resistance of 10 years of class G3 (aggressive) of ANSI/ISA 71.04-2013.