IMTS 2002: Bosch Rexroth integrates 4 motion technologies

Chicago, IL – In a trade show dedicated to the future of manufacturing technology one company ceo chose to spend the first days working with his product managers rather than viewing other technologies. Priority for Robert L. Rickert, president and ceo of Bosch Rexroth Corp . (Hoffman Estates, IL), was to meet with all company divisions to collect market intelligence for input into an eight-year company plan and a three-year financial plan, he explained after IMTS on Sept. 6.

With 30% of his time of late spent with customers, Mr. Rickert says part of the Bosch Rexroth plan expands upon its ability to blend the best mix of motion technologies: hydraulic, pneumatic, mechanical, and electric, with networks and software and services. The blend ensures that customers can get what they need from one source. With end-users, generally two Bosch Rexroth people are responsible for a project. With OEMs, concentration remains on providing the best technology with the best value. Either way, the company provides “one port of entry” to Bosch Rexroth, says Mr. Rickert.

Value, in Mr. Rickert’s view, equates to the ability to provide global support along with “submodules of integrated motion technologies.” These solutions reduce OEM commission times. A just-announced integration of services will help.

For more see Control Engineering Daily News from Sept. 5, 2002 at: https://www.controleng.com/index.asp?view=detail&layout=articlewebzine&articleid=CA242300

As for BR technology trends, he expects to move more intelligence into products, and to see more Internet-enabled devices. Two Bosch Rexroth examples shown at IMTS include hydraulics that use SERCOS interface to provide digital intelligence, and WebMIS (Machine Information System) software to provide view, share, or control multiple manufacturing stations, with an SQL data repository for analysis, and for feeding information elsewhere. Bosch Rexroth is one of very few motion technology suppliers that provides SERCOS networking with electrohydraulic equipment, as well as electric systems.

Mr. Rickert also mentioned that customers seek more system solutions, rather than the latest, greatest technology upgrade. “We’re careful not to compete with customers. We’re doing more relationship-building, and will work on partnering, not in systems, but taking the technological lead with submodules.

“We may see a bit more consolidation, but, like when there’s three gas stations on a corner, competition is healthy. The entrepreneurial spirit in this country continues to amaze me,” he continues. “Our major difference is technology integration-presenting one face to the customer. We haven’t seen that in our marketplace,” says Mr. Rickert, in comments to Control Engineering .

Control Engineering Daily News DeskMark T. Hoske, editor in chief MHoske@cfemedia.com Frank J. Bartos, executive editor fbartos@reedbusiness.com

Do you have experience and expertise with the topics mentioned in this content? You should consider contributing to our CFE Media editorial team and getting the recognition you and your company deserve. Click here to start this process.