Fit for Industry 4.0 and award-winning: In 2018, Rittal launched the VX25, the first enclosure system to be developed entirely in line with the requirements for increased productivity in control and switchgear manufacturing and those of Industry 4.0 value chains.

With the German Innovation Award, the German Design Council, established by the German Bundestag, honors innovations that have a lasting impact and offer users particular added value. In total, there were almost 700 international submissions. A jury of physicists, patent consultants, computer scientists, financing specialists, product designers, technology historians and marketers decided on the winners. "User-centricity is at the heart of the evaluation of the innovations submitted. This is the distinguishing feature of the German Innovation Award," explains Andrej Kupetz, Managing Director of the German Design Council.

Enclosure system for digital process chains
"We are delighted that such a renowned institution as the German Design Council has recognized the innovative strength of our VX25 with this award," says Dr. Thomas Steffen, Managing Director Research and Development at Rittal. Intensive dialog with customers played a decisive role in the development of the large enclosure system. In a large-scale, scientifically based usability study, developers and analysts documented the everyday industrial experience of control and switchgear manufacturers. The result: "The VX25 system 'ticks' the way control and switchgear manufacturers think and act: in functions and processes," says Dr. Steffen. The VX25 offers maximum data quality and consistency of data, reduced complexity as well as time savings and safety in assembly. Over 25 registered industrial property rights are proof of the high level of innovation.

Special Mention: Cooling appliance series
The Blue e+ cooling appliance series was also nominated for the award in the same category as the VX25. It was presented with the "Special Mention" award at the awards ceremony. Blue e+ works with an innovative combination of heat pipe and compressor. Application data shows an average energy saving of 75 percent compared to conventional systems. Lower temperature fluctuations in the enclosure increase the service life of the installed components. as