Matthias Rommel, Head of the Linear Technology Division at Bosch Rexroth, explains the opportunities offered by digitalization in linear technology: "What can networked linear technology achieve in the future that it can't yet? We at Bosch Rexroth are certain that much more is already possible today than most people can imagine. We already have a clear idea of how Rexroth linear technology will be intelligently integrated into the factory of the future. Production changeovers will be carried out by software command and sensors will monitor all operating states in order to significantly increase the availability of machines by means of predictive maintenance.

Engineering with online tools
Online tools already support the selection, design and configuration of mechanical components. Design engineers can find their application-specific solution within minutes. In the near future, the software assistants - also supported by artificial intelligence - will reach such a level of maturity that they will be able to map even complex multi-axis systems. In addition to mechanics, they will also include sensors and drive technology, including pre-programmed motion sequences.

The data generated during design and configuration is used right from the start to provide meaningful virtual images for end-to-end digital engineering. Machine manufacturers work with them from the initial idea through simulation and design to electronic ordering and documentation.

This data is then still available and simplifies engineering in the next steps. The individual components are automatically identified during commissioning by digital type plates. Software wizards derive optimum parameters from this individual data and the process requirements. Electrical commissioning is largely automatic and error-free.

Condition monitoring
At the same time, sensors integrated into the linear technology form the basis for comprehensive condition monitoring. No technology is closer to the physical interface between machine and workpiece than linear technology. Nowhere else does the process data come together so unfiltered. The control system knows what the machine is doing, but the linear technology "senses" how it feels. This means that linear technology will soon be able to use condition monitoring to automate the entire process, from wear detection to ordering spare parts.

This forward integration of mechanics for the factory of the future is already in full swing. It is important that machine manufacturers, service providers and users do not have to do their own programming and integration work, but simply use the encapsulated measurement functions of linear technology for their evaluations.

Digital design, configuration, construction, commissioning, retrofitting and predictive maintenance, including service functions: The digital journey of linear technology has long since begun - and it will open up very important horizons for higher productivity over the entire life cycle. as

Hall 4, Stand 4305