Platform Architectures For Artificial Intelligence And Mobile Robotics

Bosch Rexroth presents new functions of the ctrlX AUTOMATION platform at the SPS 2026 trade fair, taking place in Nuremberg from November 24 to 26, 2026. The showcased technologies are aimed at integrating artificial intelligence and mobile robotics into factory automation, the packaging industry, and intralogistics.

Core Technology And System Architecture
At the centre of the technological architecture is the ctrlX AUTOMATION toolkit based on the ctrlX OS operating system. The system architecture integrates the AI agent Agent iXi, which translates natural language task descriptions into PLC programmes and automates engineering. Additionally, the physical architecture includes the Solution Set for mobile robotics, which combines the main controller, I/O modules, laser-supported localisation software, and seven-axis cobots from Kassow Robots for complex handling tasks. The architecture is complemented by ctrlX SAFETY for software-based safety functions without additional hardware, as well as the long-term support release ctrlX OS 4.6 with integrated Git version control and advanced OPC UA security functions for IT security according to IEC 62443-4-2.

Deployment And Implementation
The implementation of these technologies requires connection to existing automation environments via open interfaces. At the trade fair in Hall 7 at Booth 450, the company demonstrates the deployment using the humanoid robot RoXi and a three-axis handling system, where the AI agent accesses engineering tools and automation data directly within defined access rights. OEMs and technology partners such as Grossenbacher Automation and evopro systems engineering are expanding the ecosystem by deploying the operating system on their own hardware, such as smart panels or software-defined cameras, and implementing application-specific functions.

Industrial Applications
The showcased automation solutions are aimed at discrete manufacturing, packaging machines, intralogistics, building automation, and energy technology. Specific technical use cases include the AI-based selection of topologies by Agent iXi as well as the deployment of mobile robots that remove workpieces, supply materials, or load machines. The use of these open platform architectures ensures high process stability, simplifies end-to-end system monitoring, and secures compliance with current cyber resilience requirements in networked production.

Operational Impacts And Performance Metrics
The use of preconfigured Solution Sets significantly reduces the development and integration efforts for machine builders. By implementing ctrlX SAFETYlink, the response time of secure plant communication is shortened by up to 70 percent compared to standard protocols. Shifting safety functions directly to the software application saves physical installation space in the control cabinet and lowers hardware costs. Regarding the strategic alignment of these integrations, Steffen Winkler, Vice President Sales of the Business Unit Automation & Electrification Solutions at Bosch Rexroth, explains: 'In the future, systems will increasingly take on tasks independently and react to changing situations. Agentic AI and mobile robotics are driving this development forward.'

Edited by Maria Brueva, Induportals editor - adapted by AI.

www.boschrexroth.com