Bosch Rexroth presents automation technology for defense industry manufacturing at the Hannover Messe
Many European countries are currently intensifying their defense efforts. In order to achieve the necessary quantities, the manufacturing companies are required to scale their production with the same level of precision and quality. With products and solutions for process optimization, production planning, training, and simulation Bosch Rexroth enables a faster transformation of the value chain – from manual to semi-automated and automated manufacturing.
Manufacturers of defense and dual-use goods are currently facing several challenges. These include accelerating product development as well as faster commissioning, stabilization, and increased efficiency of production on an industrial scale. The ultimate goal is zero-defect manufacturing. At the Hannover Messe, Bosch Rexroth is presenting "made in Europe" services and automation technology that enable manufacturing companies to meet the increasing requirements.
From simulation systems to human-robot collaboration
At its booth, Bosch Rexroth will present, using state-of-the-art training and simulation systems, how systems can be commissioned and maintained more efficiently in the future. This enables manufacturers in the defense industry to counteract costly production errors and extended downtime despite a shortage of skilled workers. Another solution on the booth illustrates how a production process that was previously manual can achieve significantly higher cycle rates, precision, and quality in a short period of time. Preconfigured and tested mechatronic modules, such as cartesian multi-axis systems or electromechanical cylinders including drive technology, can be integrated into machines and production systems in a time- and cost-efficient manner, thereby shortening the engineering process.
Another key aspect of production modernization is reducing the workload on employees and providing them with support – for example, through collaborative robots from Kassow Robots, in which Bosch Rexroth holds a majority stake. In Hannover, Bosch Rexroth is showcasing solutions for seamless human-robot collaboration in material transport and workpiece assembly. A test bench for various product and endurance tests then ensures the quality and functionality of the products.
Future-proof automation
Companies that are able to efficiently parallelize tasks in existing applications (brownfield) and scale their portfolio in line with the increasing demand are prepared for the future. Automation platforms such as ctrlX AUTOMATION support this, as their open approach, modular design and co-creation enable maximum freedom in the automation of greenfield and brownfield projects.
On the path to data-driven, throughput-optimized, and error-minimized production, companies must also meet cybersecurity requirements: With the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA), which came into effect at the end of 2024, they face the challenge of designing their digital products to be comprehensively secure. Here, Bosch Rexroth offers a solution with its Linux-based operating system ctrlX OS, which is already prepared for the requirements of the CRA. ctrlX OS is designed to be “secure by design” and “secure by default” and is certified by TÜV Rheinland to IEC 62443-4-2 Security Level 2.
Automation expertise for industrial applications
Based on its many years of experience in industrial applications across a wide range of industries, Bosch Rexroth has extensive expertise in the implementation of modern, intelligently connected manufacturing concepts. This includes, for example, in-depth specialist knowledge in the production of products under the strictest clean room conditions with narrow quality tolerances in high quantities. This includes, for example, in-depth knowledge in the manufacturing products under the strictest cleanroom conditions with tight quality tolerances in high volumes.
Artificial intelligence is a key driver for optimizing manufacturing processes. Rexroth customers are already benefiting from its capabilities in engineering today. In the future, it will also play a significant role in production, quality assurance, and service, helping to increase efficiency, precision, and cost-effectiveness.
News release from Bosch Rexroth, 20/04/2026