Gerhard Schubert GmbH and Bosch Rexroth AG signed a framework agreement for the next three years. With the agreement, the two companies have agreed to continue their long-term close collaboration for the development and manufacturing of innovative packaging machines and plants. In addition, Schubert will be using the third generation sercos automation bus for all communication tasks in their machines starting in 2012. "The solutions developed together with Rexroth have contributed to the ongoing streamlining of packaging machine construction and to making operations even more economic and flexible," affirmed Executive Partner Gerhard Schubert at the contract signing. The new transmodule e.g. increases packaging machine flexibility and is based on a Rexroth mechatronics solution with decentralized direct servo drive. Rexroth has also developed several innovative functions for the transmodule, for example, the mass of the product to be moved is automatically detected and the drive calculates the settings for maximum movement dynamics.

"Schubert and Rexroth are united through a development partnership that has grown over decades. Shared innovations allow us to often be the first to meet new user needs," highlighted Dr. Steffen Haack, senior vice president sales, industry sector factory automation of Bosch Rexroth AG. In addition to the development activities, the framework agreement also includes the supply of automation components. Schubert will be converting their entire portfolio to the latest generation of the sercos automation bus in 2012. That standard, which is also supported by Rexroth, combines Ethernet physics with proven real-time mechanisms. Sercos is becoming increasingly prevalent in the packaging and printing industry as the Ethernet-based real-time system preferred by the most machine manufacturers for all communication tasks. Rexroth offers a wide spectrum of sercos-compatible components for all drive and control solutions.