Industrial Automation Systems

We help factories, workstations and production lines become smarter, leaner, and more efficient with the complete range of industrial automation products from drive and control technology leaders Bosch Rexroth.

 

Industry 4.0 and industrial automation systems

The rise of modernisation and technological advances has resulted in many industries adapting and embracing industrial automation systems to increase efficiency and productivity in the workplace. Industrial automation uses control systems, usually computers or robots, to handle manufacturing processes and machines.

When it comes to revoluntionising industrial productivity, Bosch Rexroth’s automation technologies are at the forefront! With products that increase output at reduced unit costs and improved quality, decreased production time and enhanced production flexibility, Bosch Rexroth drives the Industry 4.0 revolution in Africa.

Bosch Rexroth Africa supplies the complete range of Bosch Rexroth automation products to offer leading industrial automation and manufacturing solutions – from single piece to high-volume production.

You’ll find Bosch Rexroth automation and control solutions across Africa’s industries:

  • Assembly and Handling
  • Automotive
  • Machine Tools
  • Plastics and Die Casts Machinery
  • Printing & Paper
  • Processing and Packaging
  • Semiconductor and Electronics
  • Food and beverage
  • Power generation
  • Water treatment
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GET MORE INFO ON OUR INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION SOLUTIONS:


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OUR INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION SOLUTIONS

PLC Systems

Enhance automation through a flexible and powerful control, programming and communications design, through either a controller or industrial PC.

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Motion Control

Bosch Rexroth's motion logic control systems from Tectra Automation combine motion, logic and control functions into an integrated unit.

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Servo Drives

Servo drives from Tectra Automation, a Bosch Rexroth Africa company, offer complete, precise control of your servomechanism through its range.

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IndraDyn Motors

IndraDyn motors from Tectra Automation include servo, linear, torque and high-speed motors for precise, high-performance drive and control.

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Frequency Converters

Asynchronous AC motors from 400W – 90W. Energy-saving 3-phase motor speed control for factory, production line and industrial automation.

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Cabinet-Free Drives

Extremely flexible drive system consisting of motor-integrated and near-motor servo-drives, and corresponding components to power the drives.

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CNC Drives

Precise and extreme efficiency for any high-output CNC application, including milling, turning, grinding, punching, cutting, lasering, and bending.

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HMI and PLC Accessories

Tectra Automation supplies Bosch Rexroth with a full range of HMI and PLC accessories for a range of applications. Supported across Africa.

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Want to find out more about our industrial automation solutions? Click here to send us your query.

What industrial automation means for your business

With greater control of production and more efficient handling and internal logistics, automation reduces assembly time and improves production rate. It also reduces the scope for human error to have an adverse impact of product quality, which improves product consistency and conformity.

The safety of employees is improved and production times are reduced, thanks to advances in machine automation and motion control. The use of industrial robots and robotic devices can help to improve hazardous and high risk working conditions. With maximum efficiency, greater project management and lowest total ownership costs, manual inspections and preventive maintenance can also be reduced and optimised so as to enable operators to ensure their manufacturing processes and production systems are maintained at optimum performance.

It’s all about connectivity

Industry 4.0 automation and control solutions are dependent on connectivity – not just between OT and IT, but the entire value creation process, where both suppliers and manufacturers are connected. Bosch Rexroth considers this in the design and manufacturing of its industrial automation systems.

Open standards are crucial. This is one of the primary reasons why Bosch Rexroth is collaborating with research organisations, OEMs, manufacturers, system integrators and leading IT companies. This will enable partners and customers to work within their preferred development environment and programming languages from the IT world to optimise efficiency and versatility of the automation environment.

Flexible production layouts

Our automation solutions and industrial control systems allow factories, workstations and production lines to achieve optimised production flows through flexible, modular and scalable technology designs that can be tailored to your unique applications.

Depending on your requirements, it is possible to achieve different manufacturing and assembly patterns including manual or industrial automation work-stations equipped with self sustaining controls.

Automation vs mechanisation

Where mechanisation is still a manually-driven operation, with workers controlling heavy and powerful machinery to perform a specific task, automation replaces the need for human involvement with the use of intelligent process control systems that automatically, measure, monitor, analyse and action specific processes.

With faster, more accurate internal processes, automation increases performance and profitability and improves safety.

 

What does the future hold for industrial automation

The convergence of all aspects of information systems combined with process synchronisation and machine autonomy means Bosch Rexroth Africa can provide industrial automation systems for most applications. Contact us to find your solution!

Frequently asked questions:

What are the four types of automation systems?
The four types of automation systems are:
  • Fixed Automation
    A fixed automation system, also known as hard automation, is designed to perform a single set of tasks over and over again. Fixed automation systems typically are used for discrete mass production or continuous flow systems. An automated conveyor belt for the auto sector, moving objects with minimal effort and increasing efficiency, is an example of a fixed automation system.
  • Programmable Automation
    Control of programmed automation systems is provided by commands from a computer program. As a result, the automated processes can change according to instructions passed by designer code on your computer. In the case of identical items which are manufactured by corresponding automatic steps and tools, programmed automation is commonly used. For example, in order to produce many different types of products, paper and steel rolling mills make use of the same steps.
  • Flexible Automation
    Flexible automation, also known as soft automation, is typically used in batch processes with a variety of products. Each piece of equipment is given instructions for a computer operated by a human, so changing code can be delivered to the computer, allowing for more flexible production. The primary advantage of flexible automation is that product changeovers occur quickly and automatically because they are conveyed by the control system, eliminating the extra time required to reconfigure the equipment in between batches. Industries that use flexible automation include textile manufacturing, food processing or paint manufacturing.
  • Integrated Automation
    Integrated automation systems involve totally automating manufacturing plants with minimal human involvement. Computers can be used to design parts, test the completed designs and then fabricate the new parts. Integrated automation can be used with continuous process manufacturing and batch process manufacturing.
What are examples of automated systems?
Examples of automated systems include an automated conveyor system, robotic palletiser and stacker cranes.
What are the five basic components of an automated system?
The five basic components of an automated system are:
  1. Input devices: The input devices are responsible for collecting and feeding data or information from the external environment into an automated system. These devices are capable of detecting and capturing data related to the input, including sensors, scanners, cameras, keyboards, microphones or any other device.

  2. Controllers or processors: The brain of the automatic system is a controller or processor. Input data is obtained from input devices. This information is processed and decisions are made based upon pre-defined logic or algorithms. They monitor the overall operation of the system and perform required actions or tasks.

  3. Actuators: Actuators are responsible for carrying out the physical actions or responses based on the decisions made by the controller. They convert the output signals from the controller into a physical action. Actuators are found in motors, solenoids, pneumatic cylinders and hydraulic systems.

  4. Communication networks: Automated systems require communication between different components to exchange data and information. This interaction is facilitated by a communication network that allows data to be transmitted between the input devices, the controller and the actuators. Depending on the application, this network can either be wired or wireless.

  5. User interfaces or the interaction: Interactions between an automated system and a human operator or user can take place by means of the user interface. It enables users to monitor and receive feedback about the system, input commands or adjustments. The user interface can be touch screens, keypads and other means of facilitating interaction between humans and machines.
What are the three major systems used in industrial automation?
The industrial sector primarily uses three major systems:
  • A Distributed Control System (DCS), a digital automated industrial control system (ICS) that makes use of geographically distributed control loops throughout a factory, machine or control area. DCS automation is used in petrochemical plants and refineries.
  • A Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), are a type of mini computer which has the ability to receive information from inputs and send instructions by means of outputs. The PLC is capable of controlling a system and its functions through an external logic set up. Businesses from all over the world use PLCs to manage their most significant processes. PLC industrial automation is used in the automobile, chemical and chemical industries.
  • The Scada System (SCADA), a supervisory control and data acquisition includes a computer system with graphical user interfaces, and networked data communications that work in conjunction to provide top-level governance of supervisory processes. SCADA automation is used in manufacturing, automation and wastewater applications.
What are the benefits of industrial automation systems?
The use of industrial automation systems in processing can help reduce factory lead times, improve worker safety, lower costs and increase production output.
How does automation increase quality?
Industrial automation systems can improve quality in many ways: eliminating human errors, improving consistency and accuracy, allowing the production of more complicated products as well as detecting errors along the way.

LATEST NEWS

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Alex Booth appointed Director of African Operations at Bosch Rexroth Africa

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