Push your idea two steps ahead
Turning ideas into projects – that is the objective of the ctrlX developR Challenge. But not simply in a hackathon – in an international idea and developer competition because that fits in with ctrlX AUTOMATION.
Within the ctrlX developR Challenge, developers realize their creative ideas with the revolutionary ctrlX CORE control platform and use it to implement projects for which the proper industrial control has been missing so far.
Stay tuned – You will get regular updates on the competition here!
Let‘s get this challenge started!
Challenge accepted – The process at a glance
September 21, 2021
Start of registration phase
December 31, 2021
Registration deadline
January 2022
Getting ready
Selection of participants, bringing them together with mentors, handing out the Challenge Kits
February 11 – June 26, 2022
ctrlX developR challenge
Projects are carried out and supported by mentors via ctrlX AUTOMATION Community, documentation of partial results on social media and www.ctrlx-developr-challenge.com
July 2022
Evaluation
Selecting the finalists for the pitch event
July 13, 2022
Pitch Event – The stage is yours
Pitch of the solutions, evaluation by jury, announcing the winners

The categories and project ideas
The best 25 ideas were chosen from the 68 applications received. The participants from the countries Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, France, Great Britain and the United States compete against each other in five different categories.
Be curious to see which developer writes the most convincing code and wins the ctrlX developR Challenge.

The categories and project ideas
The best 25 ideas were chosen from the 68 applications received. The participants from the countries Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, France, Great Britain and the United States compete against each other in five different categories.
Be curious to see which developer writes the most convincing code and wins the ctrlX developR Challenge.
Simplify engineering

Who connects complex processes, systems and applications and makes them quicker, simpler and easier to operate? From IoT solutions and Node-RED to the use of power functions for automating engineering routines.
Country | Project name | Description of project | Mentor from ctrlX World |
---|---|---|---|
US | Automation of measurement studies | Automation of the collection and evaluation of measurement studies using library functions. | CODESYS |
US | Digital twin via open source | Creation of the digital twin of a system based on open source software. | Cordis |
IT | System training through user instructions | Remote controlled car with camera that learns from the user's commands by using reactjs, nodejs, johnny-five and machine learning. | Smart HMI |
AT | Platform-independent IDE for PLCs | Integration of ctrlX PLC into a platform-independent PLC programming environment that can also be used to program systems from other manufacturers. | Bosch Blaichach |
Extend and connect

Who extends the existing ctrlX AUTOMATION infrastructure in the cleverest, most creative and the most useful way? Everything revolves around extensions, APIs and robotics projects here.
Country | Project name | Description of project | Mentor from ctrlX World |
---|---|---|---|
FR | Python library as native interface | Creating a library in Python as a native interface to the ctrlX Data Layer to access all variables. | InUse |
DE | IoT solution for wireless sensor technology | Collecting data from wireless sensors using MQTT network and transfer it to the cloud. | Cedalo |
DE | Control via hands-free function | Supplementing an existing HMI system with voice control as an additional operating option. | MGA |
IT | Smart container solution | Recording of various dimensions of containers to optimize shipping and determine the resulting CO2 savings. | InfluxData |
DE | Edge gateway for data linkage | Linking machine data with data from an ERP system via MQTT, OPC UA and REST interfaces. | iteratec |
DE | Implementation of visual SLAM | Implementation of visual SLAM (Simultaneous localization and mapping) using a camera app to facilitate autonomous driving. | Rexroth ROKIT |
IT | Gateway node with deep learning function | Creation of a gateway node for an IOT system for access and quality control in automated environments. | HD Vision Systems |
AT | IoT retrofit solution for injection molding machines | Development of an easy-to-implement retrofit solution that enables a plug-and-play connection into an IIoT system. | infoteam |
DE | Integration of augmented and virtual reality | Extension of the ctrlX AUTOMATION framework by the functionalities of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). | XITASO |
DE | Wireless IO-Link integration | Integration of a wireless IO-Link platform using UPC UA, MQTT and EtherCAT to exchange process data. | ifm |
Smarten up automation

Who teaches systems to think, work and play independently and without supervision? With AI applications or for example condition monitoring solutions.
Country | Project name | Description of project | Mentor from ctrlX World |
---|---|---|---|
DE | Anomaly detection | Monitoring and evaluation of serial processes for anomaly detection using "Isolation Forest" algorithm. | HUCON |
DE | Modernization of record presses | Modernization of the process of pressing vinyl records to make it more efficient and future-proof. | XITASO |
US | Intelligent processing of real-time data | Converting real-time data into technical information using an AI system written in Python. | InfluxData |
GB | Plug-in module for data quality evaluation | Combination of an app and a custom USB dongle to evaluate the uncertainty of the data. | Bosch Global Software |
DE | Intelligent fume extraction for soldering stations | Automation of turning the laboratory ventilation on and off via presence detection to reduce energy waste. | Cedalo |
DE | Tap lock with authorization | Equipping tap valves in the chemical industry with bluetooth devices to ensure that they are only operated by authorized staff. | infoteam |
Empower the user

Who uses the ctrlX AUTOMATION tools most effectively in order to maximize the benefits and simplify operation? From human-computer interaction and mobile automation and robotics to projects with a positive influence on society and our planet.
Country | Project name | Description of project | Mentor from ctrlX World |
---|---|---|---|
DE | Supplier-independent IoT solution | Development of a solution for connecting and linking existing plants from different suppliers via predefined interfaces. | iteratec |
DE | No-code development environment for IoT apps | Creation of a self-service data analytics platform for developing IoT applications using a no-code framework. | Wittenstein |
Create your own

Who has an idea for a completely new application which goes beyond all imagination and the given categories?
Country | Project name | Description of project | Mentor from ctrlX World |
---|---|---|---|
US | Communication gateway for digital twins | Development of a gateway between digital twins and industrial components to exchange commands and data in real time via API. | Cordis |
CH | Enhancement of IT security | Increasing information security according to IEC 62443 through advantageous PLC programming practices. | Rhebo |
DE | Automated ball collector for table tennis | Configuration of an intelligent device for automated detection and collection of table tennis balls. | HD Vision Systems |
Project ideas at a glance
Download projects PDFThe jury
Frequently asked questions
Please note that the application deadline has already expired and therefore we cannot consider any further registrations.
All participants have passed the official application process and were able to convince with their submission. The 25 developers come from Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, France, Great Britain and the United States.
The pitch event will take place on July 13, 2022.
The winners will be selected by a jury. The exact composition of the jury will be announced soon. Decisive criteria for the evaluation are:
1) Idea & approach
2) Technical methods & implementation
3) Added value, potential & marketing concept
4) Final pitch presentation
Your question has not been answered in our FAQs? Feel free to write to us in the ctrlX developR Challenge forum of the ctrlX AUTOMATION Community and we will answer you as soon as possible.