Integration and teamwork between Motion/PLC and IT

ASK THE EXPERT Processing automation, energy, timed cams, open and modular automation architecture, soft automation, service: in the column on ItaliaImballaggio called “Ask to the Expert”, Luca Stanzani (Packaging and Processing Bosch Rexroth Italia) will provide answers for the specific problems that the readers will tell them about. Write to [email protected].

Question
I'm a manufacturer of packaging machines. At the recent SPS Italia trade fair in Parma, I was particularly struck by your Open Core Engineering system. Could you explain in more detail its distinguishing features, and how it can best be integrated with our architectures?

In practice, the Open Core Engineering concept means freedom of programming directly in the core of the control and in the integration of the PLC and IT worlds.
Open Core Engineering is an innovative technology, designed to guarantee solutions and benefits during the stages of concept, design, simulation, construction, start-up, testing, production and service - i.e. the individual steps that characterise the three macro phases of development of a mechatronic project: Design, Implementation, Production.
Open Core Engineering takes PLC/Motion design (now a consolidated, efficient tool) and adds new levels of freedom and flexibility, obtained thanks to a connection with the world and the classic experiences of Information Technology (IT). The integration of the two worlds is made possible by the innovative Open Core Interface (OCI).

At the 2013 Hannover Messe, Open Core Engineering won the prestigious HERMES AWARD 2013 for new ideas and innovations at international level.

The distinguishing features of Open Core Engineering
 Development software and support, including Indraworks: the “all-in-one” suite that has been an important market benchmark for the past 10 years.
Toolkit functions - i.e. specific technological functions developed on various levels of integration: their aim is to extend complex functions, reduce development times, improve the design processes and implement machine functions.
Open standard: the use of open, recognised international standards ensures a safe investment. They are the basis for connection, migration and dialogue with innovative technologies and platforms.
Open Core Interface (OCI): a unique, innovative extension allowing direct access to the core of the control, offering the freedom to integrate and dialogue with external devices and the typical IT automation environments.

How the Motion/PLC and IT worlds interact
The Open Core Interface is a programming interface for applications based on high-level languages. It offers the possibility to create applications that run on Rexroth's MLC controller and/or on external devices. With this interface, you can integrate “smart devices” (via Eclipse for Google Android and X-code for Apple iOS), dialogue with Windows applications (Visual Studio), and facilitate the integration of simulation tools and fast prototyping (LabView, Matlab, Simulink).
What's more, Open Core Interface allows the user to directly access the core of the controller, at exactly the same level as the firmware; this means the chance to develop and integrate your own control functions, even on a real time basis (Wind River Workbench on VxVowrks), guaranteeing the intellectual ownership of the development because “compiled” functions are transferred.
In order to integrate all this, you need to use the Software Development Kit (SDK), consisting of libraries (for actual controller access), Help system files and application examples.

For further information www.boschrexroth.it