LTS Release 3.6: More security, connectivity, and AI
The new Long-Term Support (LTS) release 3.6 from Bosch Rexroth is now available – and it offers numerous extensions for ctrlX AUTOMATION and ctrlX OS. Users benefit from new apps, optimized functions, and even more powerful hardware. The focus of the release is on greater security, improved connectivity, and new AI functionality.
Bosch Rexroth releases a new LTS version once a year to ensure long-term stability. Service packs provide security updates and bug fixes over several years. At the same time, the LTS releases provide access to new features, ensuring that users can always take advantage of the latest options. Bosch Rexroth is continuing to pursue this strategy with the recently launched LTS release 3.6.
OS-level extensions
The new LTS release delivers important extensions for the Linux-based operating system ctrlX OS. Network drives can now be directly integrated, making it easy to use storage locations on other computers or servers. External media such as USB sticks or SD cards are also directly accessible via an integrated file browser and WebDAV. A new Partition Manager is also included for efficient management of your data storage.
The release also contains advancements in terms of network security and availability. Redundancy protocols such as HSR and PRP ensure high availability of networks, while a TCP dump allows more detailed analysis of data traffic. In addition, an interactive configuration comparison allows rapid evaluation of solutions.
New apps for greater security and flexibility
The release also provides new PLC license packages and additional visualization licenses for CODESYS. This means that solutions can be tailored even more individually to the respective requirements.
The EtherCAT master now supports multiple instances on a single ctrlX COREplus X5 or X7, and the OPC UA pub/sub module makes diagnostics easier by displaying the publisher/subscriber configuration directly in the user interface. The Model Connect app has also been improved and now supports co-simulation FMU V2.0 in addition to MATLAB scripts and Simulink models. There are also improvements to the Oscilloscope app, which features a new, easy-to-use design and functions such as bit analysis and signal aliases.
Security was also a key focus of this LTS release. For example, there is now a Security Scanner app. This app helps with security assessments by gathering comprehensive network data such as connected devices, MAC addresses, device types, and open ports. In the future, a machine network monitoring feature will also be available to monitor machines for unwanted devices. This will be complemented by the ability to execute Nmap commands directly in order to perform more in-depth analyses.
The Firewall app also received an update. The app provides basic protection and is the ideal solution for users who require basic cybersecurity without having to delve into complex configurations.
The Locator app is a modular, laser-based software component that enables reliable localization of mobile robots and forklift trucks. The solution is hardware-independent and can be combined with a variety of vehicle types, laser scanners, and industrial computers.
Partners from ctrlX World have also added new apps. The Bosch Universal Machine Connector (UMC) makes it easier to connect to different controllers, shop floor devices, or IT systems. HELIO provides a modern development environment for intuitive HMIs. logiccloud Control provides a virtual, hardware-independent PLC. The MPDV Smart Factory Gateway makes it easier to integrate machine data into shop floor and business applications. The WAGO EEBUS Connector supports efficient energy management. WITTENSTEIN provides several cynapse applications, which capture, visualize, and analyze sensor and transmission data to allow status monitoring and performance optimization.
ctrlX COREplus gets AI functionality
Artificial intelligence is being incorporated into more and more automation solutions from Bosch Rexroth. ctrlX COREplus is now available with AI functionality across all performance levels. An optional AI module enables the direct integration of Artificial Intelligence at the edge. This allows data to be processed and analyzed locally – a decisive advantage for real-time applications.
Advances in motion and engineering
The release also includes important innovations in the area of motion control. The 3D Viewer now supports parallel kinematics and thus enables the visualization of a wide variety of robot types. In addition, motion applications benefit from new features, such as the G-Code Runtime app, which offers classic G-code commands as well as modern programming options such as variables and control structures.
In robotics, functions have been extended for various kinematics, including delta or parallelogram kinematics. In addition, there are optimized blending and interpolation methods that make movements even more precise and fluid.
ctrlX WORKS is an interface that integrates external software into the engineering framework. This gives users a single point of entry for all tasks, including third-party tools.
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