"Combining the physical advantages of hydraulics with the virtual world of software" is the goal of Bosch Rexroth. Sensors play a key role here. They measure pressure, volume flow rates, temperature, vibrations, and other operating conditions that are decentrally transformed into information on processes and wear and tear. "Rexroth has developed intelligent accumulators, pumps, and actuators that can be integrated into modern automation structures with shared intelligence and open interfaces," explains company spokesperson Susanne Herzlieb. To do this, Rexroth's developers are shifting more and more functions from hardware to software. "For controlling and superordinate IT systems, electrohydraulic drives behave like electromechanical ones. Machine manufacturers can control both drive technologies at the same time with the same degree of flexibility and comfort and incorporate them into Industrie 4.0 concepts," says Herzlieb.

"From a pure automation point of view, Industrie 4.0 is not about an imminent revolution, but about an evolutionary development which is ready for networking today," says Bosch Rexroth regarding its latest Motion Control and Motion Logic systems for hydraulics. The company has already integrated many functions into software that had been controlled hydromechanically in the past. One example of this is Rexroth’s new hydraulic power unit series ABPAC: With decentralized intelligence and optional sensor packages, the power units constantly monitor all operating conditions and communicate via open interfaces, smartphones, and tablet PCs to access system data.

Like Rexroth (Hall 23, Stand C19), other market leaders in the power transmission and control sector are placing mechatronic devices and CPS modules at the forefront of their MDA exhibits. "The main attraction at our stand will definitely be our Industrie 4.0 solutions across different technologies," confirms Nicola Hardege, Spokesperson for Parker Hannifin. In Hall 23 (Stand A48) the company is showcasing "a network of smart solutions that enable industrial companies to optimally tap the enormous potential of digital integration." Among the innovations that Parker is demonstrating live at MDA is a directly controlled proportional directional valve series for closed control circuits. "The most important innovation is the position measuring system that – in contrast to comparable valves from other manufacturers – is completely integrated into the housing, thereby reducing the installation space required," says Hardege.

Like Rexroth (Hall 23, Stand C19), other market leaders in the power transmission and control sector are placing mechatronic devices and CPS modules at the forefront of their MDA exhibits. "The main attraction at our stand will definitely be our Industrie 4.0 solutions across different technologies," confirms Nicola Hardege, Spokesperson for Parker Hannifin. In Hall 23 (Stand A48) the company is showcasing "a network of smart solutions that enable industrial companies to optimally tap the enormous potential of digital integration." Among the innovations that Parker is demonstrating live at MDA is a directly controlled proportional directional valve series for closed control circuits. "The most important innovation is the position measuring system that – in contrast to comparable valves from other manufacturers – is completely integrated into the housing, thereby reducing the installation space required," says Hardege.