Bosch Rexroth, a global leader in drive and control technologies, is set to unveil its latest advancements in factory automation at Automate 2026, scheduled to take place in Chicago. Occupying Booth #2810, the company’s presence underscores the accelerating adoption of automation technologies across diverse manufacturing and production environments worldwide. As industries continue their relentless pursuit of enhanced efficiency, productivity, and flexibility, Bosch Rexroth’s comprehensive portfolio of solutions aims to address these critical demands, offering integrated systems that span from fundamental components to sophisticated digital engineering tools and interactive, live system demonstrations.
The Automate show, recognized as North America’s largest and most comprehensive automation event, serves as a pivotal platform for manufacturers, integrators, and researchers to explore cutting-edge technologies and strategies that are shaping the future of industrial production. Held biennially, the event draws tens of thousands of attendees, showcasing innovations in robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), machine vision, motion control, and industrial internet of things (IIoT). For companies like Bosch Rexroth, Automate provides an unparalleled opportunity to engage directly with industry stakeholders, demonstrate the tangible benefits of their solutions, and contribute to the broader dialogue on smart manufacturing and Industry 4.0. The decision to feature a wide array of products, from robust conveyance systems to advanced control platforms and linear motion components, reflects Bosch Rexroth’s commitment to providing end-to-end automation solutions tailored to the evolving needs of the modern factory.
Pioneering Solutions for Modern Manufacturing Challenges
The industrial automation market is experiencing robust growth, driven by factors such as rising labor costs, the need for increased production output, enhanced quality control, and the growing complexity of supply chains. Reports indicate that the global industrial automation market is projected to reach hundreds of billions of dollars by the end of the decade, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) consistently in the mid-single digits. This growth is not merely about replacing human labor but about augmenting human capabilities, enabling greater precision, speed, and safety in manufacturing processes. Bosch Rexroth’s exhibition at Automate 2026 is strategically positioned within this dynamic landscape, showcasing how their integrated solutions empower manufacturers to navigate these challenges and capitalize on new opportunities.
A cornerstone of Bosch Rexroth’s display will be its advanced conveyance systems, particularly highlighting the TS 7plus and TS 2plus models. These systems represent the backbone of efficient material flow in automated factories, crucial for industries ranging from automotive assembly to electronics manufacturing and consumer goods packaging. The TS 7plus, engineered to transport heavy payloads up to an impressive 3,000 kg, exemplifies Bosch Rexroth’s capability in handling large-scale industrial applications with precision and reliability. Its robust design ensures stable and consistent material movement, minimizing bottlenecks and maximizing throughput on production lines. Complementing this, the TS 2plus offers versatility for lighter loads, catering to a broad spectrum of applications where agility and adaptability are paramount. Both systems leverage Bosch Rexroth’s renowned aluminum framing system, a testament to over four decades of engineering excellence. This modular framing system is celebrated for its flexibility, ease of assembly, and durability, allowing manufacturers to rapidly configure and reconfigure production lines to meet changing demands without significant downtime or investment. The longevity and widespread adoption of this framing system underscore its proven effectiveness and the trust it has garnered in industrial settings globally.
The ctrlX AUTOMATION Ecosystem: Redefining Control
Central to Bosch Rexroth’s vision for the future of automation is its revolutionary ctrlX AUTOMATION platform. Visitors to Booth #2810 will be treated to an immersive demonstration of this ecosystem, including a unique cabinet-free display of ctrlX DRIVE, the powerful ctrlX CORE controller, and the innovative ctrlX FLOW HS smart conveyance system. The ctrlX AUTOMATION platform is designed on an open, app-based architecture, challenging traditional proprietary automation systems by offering unprecedented flexibility and connectivity. This approach allows manufacturers to integrate a wide array of functionalities, from Bosch Rexroth’s own applications to those developed by partner companies and even custom solutions, all running on a unified, high-performance hardware base.
The ctrlX CORE controller, acting as the brain of this ecosystem, provides scalable computing power and real-time processing capabilities, making it suitable for a vast range of applications from simple machine control to complex, multi-axis robotics. Its compact design further contributes to space-saving solutions in modern factories. Paired with ctrlX DRIVE, which offers precise and dynamic motion control for various motor types, the system ensures seamless coordination of complex movements. The integration of ctrlX FLOW HS, a smart conveyance system, within the ctrlX AUTOMATION framework highlights the platform’s ability to orchestrate not just individual machine movements but entire material flow processes with intelligent, adaptive control.
A key highlight of the ctrlX AUTOMATION presentation will be the demonstration of ctrlX OS and its transformative app-based approach. This operating system forms the foundation for integrating advanced technologies such as robotics and AI-based vision systems. By leveraging applications from a growing ecosystem of Bosch Rexroth and third-party developers, combined with edge hardware that supports AI acceleration, the demonstration will illustrate how ctrlX OS facilitates the creation of highly intelligent and adaptive automation solutions. This capability is critical for applications requiring real-time decision-making, such as quality inspection, predictive maintenance, and adaptive robotics, pushing the boundaries of what is achievable in smart manufacturing. The open nature of ctrlX OS fosters innovation, enabling manufacturers to customize their automation systems with unprecedented ease and to scale them as their operational needs evolve. This shift towards an open, software-defined automation paradigm is a significant step towards realizing the full potential of Industry 4.0.
Precision in Motion: Linear Technology and Collaborative Robotics
Bosch Rexroth’s expertise in linear motion technology will be showcased through an interactive hologram display, offering visitors a detailed, three-dimensional view of its extensive range of linear motion components. This includes precision-engineered screws, high-performance bearings, and versatile linear modules. These components are fundamental to the accurate and repeatable movement required in automated machinery, from pick-and-place robots to CNC machines and assembly lines. The interactive hologram will allow attendees to virtually explore the intricate details and operational principles of these components, providing a deeper understanding of their role in achieving precise motion control.
Beyond the holographic display, the booth will feature practical demonstrations, including a Cartesian robot and a Smart Function Kit for Pressing. The Cartesian robot exemplifies the application of Bosch Rexroth’s linear components in multi-axis movement, showcasing its ability to execute precise positioning and manipulation tasks in various industrial processes. The Smart Function Kit for Pressing demonstration will illustrate how these components are integrated into a complete, automated pressing application, emphasizing ease of use, configurability, and the benefits of a pre-engineered solution for common manufacturing tasks. This kit reduces engineering effort and time-to-market, allowing manufacturers to deploy high-precision pressing applications more quickly and efficiently.
Further extending its commitment to advanced robotics, Bosch Rexroth will also highlight its subsidiary, Kassow Robots, at Booth #2036. Kassow Robots specializes in developing powerful, yet user-friendly 7-axis collaborative robots (cobots). These cobots are designed to work safely alongside human operators without the need for extensive safety caging, making them ideal for flexible automation tasks and small to medium-sized enterprises. The 7-axis design provides exceptional dexterity, allowing the cobots to reach around obstacles and perform complex movements in confined spaces, thus enhancing their versatility in a manufacturing environment. The integration of Kassow Robots into the broader Bosch Rexroth ecosystem signifies a holistic approach to automation, combining traditional industrial automation strengths with the growing demand for human-robot collaboration and flexible manufacturing.
The Digital Thread and Strategic Insights
Beyond hardware and software, Bosch Rexroth recognizes the importance of digital tools and expert guidance in successful automation adoption. A prominent feature at the center of the booth will be a touch table providing an interactive factory automation display. This digital showroom allows visitors to delve deeper into Bosch Rexroth’s extensive automation offerings, exploring product specifications, application examples, and solution architectures at their own pace. This interactive experience serves as a gateway for manufacturers to visualize how different Bosch Rexroth technologies can be integrated to form cohesive, efficient production systems.
Throughout Automate 2026, Bosch Rexroth specialists will be readily available at the booth to engage with visitors, discussing tailored factory automation strategies. These discussions will focus on key operational objectives, including maximizing operational efficiency, ensuring robust safety protocols, and optimizing overall equipment effectiveness (OEE). The emphasis on efficiency and safety reflects the company’s understanding of the twin pillars of modern manufacturing success. By offering expert consultation, Bosch Rexroth aims to guide manufacturers through the complexities of automation implementation, helping them to identify the most impactful solutions for their specific challenges and long-term goals. This consultative approach reinforces Bosch Rexroth’s role not just as a technology provider but as a strategic partner in the digital transformation journey of its customers.
Broader Impact and Industry Implications
The comprehensive showcase by Bosch Rexroth at Automate 2026 holds significant implications for the manufacturing industry. The continued advancement and integration of technologies such as AI, IIoT, and collaborative robotics are paving the way for hyper-flexible, resilient, and intelligent factories. The open architecture of platforms like ctrlX AUTOMATION promotes interoperability, allowing manufacturers to avoid vendor lock-in and build bespoke automation solutions that can evolve with technological advancements. This flexibility is crucial in a rapidly changing global market where product lifecycles are shortening, and customization is becoming the norm.
Furthermore, the focus on user-friendly interfaces, digital engineering tools, and collaborative robots addresses the ongoing challenge of skilled labor shortages in manufacturing. By simplifying the programming and operation of automated systems, Bosch Rexroth empowers a broader range of personnel to interact with and manage advanced machinery, thereby increasing productivity and job satisfaction. The emphasis on safety, inherent in both conveyance systems and collaborative robots, also highlights a commitment to creating safer working environments, a crucial aspect for attracting and retaining talent in the manufacturing sector.
As Automate 2026 unfolds, Bosch Rexroth’s exhibition is poised to demonstrate not just individual product capabilities but a cohesive vision for the future of manufacturing – one that is digitally integrated, highly intelligent, and inherently adaptable. The innovations on display will undoubtedly inspire manufacturers to rethink their production strategies, accelerate their adoption of advanced automation, and ultimately, enhance their global competitiveness. For more detailed information on Bosch Rexroth’s presence and offerings at Automate 2026, interested parties are encouraged to visit boschrexroth-us.com/automate.
