ctrlX OS

Linux operating system for industry

Great freedom in automation

ctrlX AUTOMATION reaches the next level when it comes to openness and freedom: In the past, our real-time-capable, Linux-based operating system was used exclusively on the control ctrlX CORE. However, ctrlX OS is now available as a separate solution for industrial environments too. It is designed for real-time use and can be used on all levels – from the field level and edge devices to the cloud.

Decorative image with various messages: Unlimited functionality, management, security, open ecosystem, web-based technology, industrial-grade software platform, connectivity, all languages.

Key benefits for users:

Shorter time to market
Flexibility in production
High system availability
Better performance
Same standards as regards security, tools and communication interfaces for the entire network
Broad distribution of automation solutions across the automation pyramid
High-performance platform for futuristic solutions

Hardware-independent operating system

Graphic shows the application possibilities of the industrial, Linux-based operating system ctrlX OS. At field level (OT) in connection with automation hardware, at IT level in connection with edge computers and servers, or cloud solutions.

The trend in industry is increasingly moving towards distributed software and data-based automation solutions. At the same time, information is being pooled as far as possible. The same standards apply to the entire network in terms of applicable software, security, tools and communication interfaces.

ctrlX OS helps to meet these requirements. The industrial Linux operating system is hardware-independent and seamlessly connects even more automation components to the entire ctrlX AUTOMATION portfolio, including the partner solutions from ctrlX World. Software-based functions can be developed, installed, updated and operated even more easily and flexibly across all levels of the automation topology. Bosch Rexroth thus caters for the needs of software-driven factories and enables modern software practices such as virtual testing and DevOps in automation. Hardware independence also makes it possible to operate a virtual control system on hypervisor platforms, in the data center, on edge servers or in the cloud.

ctrlX OS supports the merging of IT and OT applications for Industry 4.0 purposes. It also forms the basis for server, edge and cloud automation in industry.

By using ctrlX OS, users gain access to the entire ecosystem of ctrlX AUTOMATION. A wide range of apps is available from the ctrlX OS Store. Companies can also operate their own software on any hardware that is suitable for the application. The web-based engineering approach and secure user management help to relieve the burden on users during their work as far as possible. And security has been taken into account too: A hardened software stack ensures a high degree of cyber security.

All devices in the network are connected and data exchanged via the high-performance ctrlX Data Layer. ctrlX OS also has a standardized toolchain for all devices and the Software Development Kit (SDK) for ctrlX AUTOMATION which companies can use to develop their own apps.

ctrlX OS, the proven industrial Linux-based operating system which is used by ctrlX AUTOMATION and regarded as the most modern, open and secure of its kind, is thus also available to other suppliers of automation components.

Linux operating system for modern industry

ctrlX OS fits perfectly into the product family’s openness concept and meets all the requirements which apply to modern automation concepts:

Open and expandable

Service-oriented architecture
Companies can easily use apps from Bosch Rexroth and third-party providers or develop their own apps

Seamless data integration

High-performance, secure data networking within the automation solution
Centralized access to all real-time and non-real-time data in the entire network with no need for programming

Connective in all directions

Fieldbus protocols
Interfaces (TSN, 5G)
Cloud connectors
Open interfaces (REST, OPC UA server)

Easy to manage

Remote access, remote control and device management via the ctrlX Device Portal
Remote installation, updates and patches

Highly secure and certified

Certified data security in accordance with IEC 62443
User and authorization management
Secure authentication in the user management

Together for openness in automation – System and Technology Partner

WAGO, specializing in automation and connection technology, is the first system and technology partner for the operating system ctrlX OS. The common goal is to create a world-leading automation platform for the software-driven Factory of the Future. In doing so, openness and freedom in industrial automation will be further strengthened in order to offer users future-proof solutions.

WAGO will offer ctrlX OS on independently developed control platforms. The cooperation enables the incorporation of the technology into the company's own product expertise and, at the same time, the development of market-specific solutions. It is also possible that products and devices from the Bosch Rexroth portfolio will be integrated into the WAGO offering.

Read more!

WAGO, specializing in automation and connection technology, is the first system and technology partner for the operating system ctrlX OS. The common goal is to create a world-leading automation platform for the software-driven Factory of the Future. In doing so, openness and freedom in industrial automation will be further strengthened in order to offer users future-proof solutions.

WAGO will offer ctrlX OS on independently developed control platforms. The cooperation enables the incorporation of the technology into the company's own product expertise and, at the same time, the development of market-specific solutions. It is also possible that products and devices from the Bosch Rexroth portfolio will be integrated into the WAGO offering.

Read more!

ctrlX OS at all levels of the automation pyramid – automation world grows

In addition to WAGO, other partners have been acquired for ctrlX OS. This means that the solution is now positioned at all levels of the automation pyramid.

DELL Technologies will offer users ctrlX OS as a ready-made software module for its NativeEdge solution for servers, and Nokia has added ctrlX OS to its portfolio as a software extension to its Mission Critical Industrial Edge (MXIE) solution.
Congatec uses ctrlX OS on embedded computer applications. This enables users to develop modular, scalable and therefore particularly sustainable and agile solutions.

Services for ctrlX OS

In addition, Bosch Rexroth offers within the partner network ctrlX World Services solutions for ctrlX OS.
For example, Etteplan offers customized control solutions with ctrlX OS, including custom hardware and/or application development, integrations, and testing. Etteplan has a ctrlX OS-enabled hardware reference design with 5G connectivity, high-precision positioning and edge computing capacity for product development.

Canonical, the publisher of Ubuntu Linux, provides open source security, support and software customization services for ctrlX OS on specific target hardware architectures.

Opened copy of the ctrlX AUTOMATION magazine 2023/2024

ctrlX AUTOMATION Magazine 2023/2024 –
Now available!

„Openness is everything“ – this is the motto of the ctrlX AUTOMATION magazine 2023/2024. This year, it´s all about openness and co-creation, which enables a completely new world of automation. Furthermore, there will be innovations of the product portfolio, exciting case studies and expert opinions on digitalization and connectivity.