Question? Ask iXi!

ctrlX IOT

Embedded Linux IoT – efficient and secure connectivity on the IIoT

Overview of ctrlX IoT products: ctrlX CORE, ctrlX OS IoT App, and the firewall configuration on a computer display.

Consistency between the OT and IT levels is the foundation for transparency, security, and efficiency in increasingly connected production environments. Embedded Linux IoT allows data from machines and systems to reliably recorded, processed, and evaluated. This creates new opportunities to optimize processes, increase overall equipment effectiveness (OEE), and use resources in a targeted way.

As the importance of the industrial internet of things (IIoT) continues to grow, so too does the demand for secure and flexible architectures. Modern automation solutions must be seamlessly integrated into existing systems and at the same time, meet the highest security requirements. A secure by design architecture, open standards, and intuitive configuration are crucial in this regard.

ctrlX IOT from Bosch Rexroth consistently meets these requirements. As a central component of the automation system ctrlX AUTOMATION, it combines the capabilities of an industrial IoT Linux with integrated IoT device management, edge computing, and a secure Linux IoT gateway. This allows machines, systems, and applications to be connected simply and securely. Users benefit from an open, scalable platform that ensures the highest industrial IoT security while providing maximum flexibility and adaptability. Practical apps make it easy to expand the functionality.




Key Facts:

  • Maximum data security: IEC 62443 certified, secure by design and secure by default
  • Merging of OT and IT on one platform (real-time and non-real-time on one CPU)
  • Integrated standard IoT connectivity
  • Open source IoT apps securely packaged for ctrlX OS
  • Pre-configured IT connectors for data acquisition via a central data layer
  • Scalability and performance from sensors to the cloud (edge, fog, cloud)

More information about the industrial control system ctrlX IOT

Configurator
Store
Documentation
Community

Integrate IoT functions through apps as needed

Bosch Rexroth provides its own IoT solutions and third-party apps via the ctrlX OS Store. The industrial control system ctrlX CORE from the automation system ctrlX AUTOMATION can be used not only for machine control, but also as a secure, intelligent Linux IoT gateway. Thanks to its openness and diverse interfaces, the control system is also suitable for retrofitting machines and systems in brownfield sites with IoT connectivity and functions. All relevant IoT solutions and apps are easily accessible from a central location.

Icon of the Node-RED app for ctrlX OS, a visual tool for wiring IoT devices.

Node-RED

  • IoT applications can be implemented according to the modular principle with the Node-Red app
  • Combination of input, output, and processing nodes to form a flow
  • Central element as an IoT gateway in conjunction with the ctrlX Data Layer
  • Connection of different devices possible
Icon of the VPN Client app for ctrlX OS for establishing secure, encrypted network connections.

VPN

  • VPN client app integrated in the control system
  • Support for the VPN protocols OpenVPN and IPSec
  • Secure remote access to the production line or machine configuration
  • VPN server from a third-party company available in ctrlX World
Icon of the Telegraf app for ctrlX OS, an agent for collecting metrics and data.

Telegraf

  • The Telegraf™* app is based the Telegraf open source server agent, tailored to ctrlX AUTOMATION
  • Collection and sending of data from databases, systems, and IoT sensors
  • Over 200 plug-ins available
  • Development of your own plug-ins possible

* Telegraf™ is a trademark that is [registered to / owned by] InfluxData, which is not affiliated with nor does it support this ctrlX CORE app.

Icon of the Key Value Database app for ctrlX OS, a non-relational key-value database.

Key Value Database

  • A non-relational database for reliable data storage
  • Simple structure with key (unique identifier) and associated value
  • Creation of your own structures in the ctrlX Data Layer
  • Storage of states and data exchange with big data or IoT applications
Icon of the InfluxDB app for ctrlX OS, a time-series database for monitoring and analytics.

InfluxDB

  • InfluxDB™* is a trademark of InfluxData
  • Open source time series database for ctrlX AUTOMATION
  • Optimized for fast data retrieval and storage
  • Used in operational monitoring, IoT data, real-time analyses
  • Capable of handling of several hundred data points per second

* InfluxDB™ is a trademark that is [registered to / owned by] InfluxData, which is not affiliated with nor does it support this ctrlX CORE app.

Icon of the IoT Dashboard app for ctrlX OS for visualizing machine data in dashboards.

IoT Dashboard

  • IoT dashboard app based on Grafana™*, adapted for ctrlX OS
  • Visualization and analysis of data with heat maps, diagrams, and histograms
  • Dynamic dashboards for data from multiple sources
  • Plugins for connecting to common systems such as InfluxDB

* Grafana™ is a trademark that is [registered to / owned by] InfluxData, which is not affiliated with nor does it support this ctrlX CORE app.

Highlights: secure, connected, and highly flexibility

IoT security graphic: ctrlX CORE with ctrlX OS and Firewall App secures machine networks according to the Cyber Resilience Act.

Security at every level –
Secure by Design and Secure by Default

The IoT solutions from Bosch Rexroth combine the highest level of industrial IoT security with openness throughout. They integrate OT to IT connection on a powerful platform and follow the principles of Secure by Design and Secure by Default. The architecture is certified according to IEC 62443, and security mechanisms are an integral part of the Embedded Linux IoT platform. This ensures machines, systems, and the associated infrastructure are reliably protected.

IT/OT communication graphic: ctrlX CORE securely connects the field level to IT, also integrating third-party devices.

Seamless connectivity and data integration

ctrlX IOT supports established IoT standards and protocols such as OPC UA and MQTT, ensuring reliable, multi-vendor communication. All process and machine data are available uniformly and consistently via the central ctrlX Data Layer. Pre-configured IT connectors make it easy to connect to cloud services, edge applications, or analytics tools, meaning data can be securely captured, processed, and made available without additional integration.

Architecture of ctrlX OS: Scalability from the field level (ctrlX CORE) and edge (ctrlX IPC) to the cloud (ctrlX OS virtual).

Efficient IT to OT connection

Real-time-critical OT control functions and data-intensive IT applications run securely and efficiently on the same CPU. This reduces both hardware requirements and system complexity. The architecture is scalable throughout – from the edge on the machine, through fog at the factory level, all the way to the cloud – and adapts flexibly to the requirements of each application. This creates a unified, high-performance platform solution, from the sensor technology to the global dashboard.

The ctrlX OS ecosystem: Icons of apps like Node-RED, InfluxDB, and partner apps (Fanuc, Wago) show the platform's openness.

Scalability and flexibility

The IoT platform boasts high scalability and maximum flexibility thanks to open source apps. Well-known tools such as Node-RED or Grafana are securely integrated into the Linux-based ctrlX OS as apps and can be used directly in the web browser – without requiring local installation on the PC. The ctrlX OS ecosystem is growing continuously – through our own applications as well as through third-party apps – and thus enables functionality and usage scenarios to be expanded and scaled as needed.

Be brave. Mission now.
The new ctrlX AUTOMATION Magazine is here!

Our mission is to bravely drive the change in our industry. Experience how co-creation, Industrial AI, and digitalization are conquering the floor. The new ctrlX AUTOMATION Magazine provides you with the insights to do just that. Discover the latest ctrlX AUTOMATION product highlights and get inspired by use cases with customers from industries like logistics and packaging.

Get your copy now!

If you have any questions or require further information regarding ctrlX AUTOMATION, please contact us.
We look forward to your inquiry!

Get in contact