Today, off-highway equipment manufacturers must simultaneously shorten the development time for new designs, meet growing regulatory requirements, and implement increasingly advanced digital features. Bosch Rexroth is addressing these challenges by expanding the BODAS ecosystem with new development tools, telematics solutions, and hardware designed for automation.
The off-highway machinery market is undergoing a major transformation. Customers expect greater efficiency, easier operation, and access to digital services, while manufacturers are looking for ways to reduce design costs and implement new solutions faster. In this context, Bosch Rexroth is developing the BODAS platform to support the entire process of creating modern off-highway machines.
One of the pillars of the ecosystem is the myBODAS platform. It is a digital workspace that integrates a knowledge base, development tools, and communication channels with the company’s experts. Users can utilize an AI-powered search engine, a ticketing system, and forums, as well as access verified technical solutions. This approach is intended to simplify the machine development process and accelerate the resolution of design issues.
Photo credit: Bosch Rexroth
A shorter path from concept to finished application
A new addition to the ecosystem is the BODAS-studio development environment. The tool was designed to reduce the time required to develop software for mobile machines. It is based on the open MASAR architecture, which facilitates integration with various solutions and allows manufacturers to customize ready-made software packages to their own needs.
In practice, this means the ability to modify applications made available through the “Try it First” program using tools such as MATLAB or Simulink from MathWorks. Developers can also develop software in C using a free compiler designed for RC/4x series control units.
The openness of the architecture is particularly important at a time when manufacturers are increasingly building their own digital functions and want to retain control over software development. This enables faster implementation of new features without having to build the entire environment from scratch.
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Telematics takes it to the next level
Significant changes have also been made in the areas of telematics and the Internet of Things. The BODAS Connect portfolio has been expanded to include services enabling mass Over-the-Air (OTA) updates, allowing software to be updated remotely across entire fleets of machines.
The new BODAS Connect Universal Flasher module also allows for the programming of control units from other manufacturers in mixed electronic environments. This solution may prove particularly useful for companies managing extensive machine fleets that include equipment from various brands.
Bosch Rexroth is also developing features related to machine access management. The BODAS Connect Keyless system uses digital keys developed in collaboration with Irdeto. The solution is designed to simplify the operation of rented machines and the management of a larger group of operators.
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Hardware Designed for Autonomous Machines
The platform expansion also includes new hardware components. The RC/4x series of controllers has been expanded with the RC/41 model, featuring greater computing power, increased memory, and inputs and outputs designed to support body functions such as lighting control.
The most advanced new feature, however, is the Offroad Robotics Control Platform. Its central component is the ORC2 control unit, which was designed as the foundation for autonomous and semi-autonomous driving and machine operation functions.
The platform uses the QNX real-time operating system and an integrated ROS2 stack. According to Bosch Rexroth, the solution is designed to meet functional safety requirements. The software being developed is expected to include modules for localization, image recognition, environmental analysis, and a “bird’s-eye view.” The manufacturer also anticipates the possibility of integrating custom applications created by users.
At the same time, the company emphasizes the importance of compliance with new European regulations. This applies to both the Machinery Regulation 2023 and the Cyber Resilience Act. As the level of digitization and machine autonomy increases, safety and cybersecurity issues are becoming just as important as the technical parameters of the devices themselves.
