Partnership for modular and secure edge solutions

The aim of the collaboration between the two companies is to significantly simplify the development and customization of edge solutions. A software basis is to be successively established on a growing Advantech hardware portfolio, with which a wide range of industrial requirements can be flexibly implemented. Initially, the edge IPCs of the 'UNO' series will be delivered ex works with the Linux-based ctrlX OS and pre-installed apps - such as Firewall, Node-RED, InfluxDB and IoT Dashboard - from the ctrlX OS Store. The app and hardware modules enable customers to configure IoT gateways quickly and easily.

While Advantech hardware offers needs-based scaling of central resources such as memory and storage space, ctrlX OS opens up an equally modular world of functions with its open software approach. Companies can use standardized hardware and adapt it precisely to the respective use case on the software side, from simple IoT gateways to complex edge AI or edge control applications.

Industry-specific functions can be flexibly added via the ctrlX OS Store, both by installing ctrlX OS apps from Bosch Rexroth or ctrlX World partners and through in-house developments. For example, a basic system can be transformed into a customized solution in no time at all by adding extensions for database connection, visualization or IIoT protocols.

"Our partnership with Advantech is a prime example of co-creation in industrial digitalization," explains Steffen Winkler, Sales Director of the Automation & Electrification Solutions business unit at Bosch Rexroth. "ctrlX OS brings software innovations directly into the product world of the global IPC manufacturer. Together, we are creating new scope for partners and customers."

Jash Bansidhar, Head of IoT Automation at Advantech, adds: "The requirements in the industrial environment are changing rapidly. Shorter product lifecycles and greater system complexity require flexible, scalable platforms. With our bundle, customers can quickly develop, adapt and deploy new solutions. This reduces development costs and accelerates time-to-market."

In addition, Advantech's WISE IoT Marketplace offers an easy way to transfer data streams from the edge level into usable cloud services for end-to-end solutions.

The joint solution is based on a secure architecture: ctrlX OS was developed 'Secure by Design' for industrial use and is prepared for the requirements of the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA). The operating system is certified to IEC 62443-4-2 Security Level 2 by TÜV Rheinland.