CASO Robotics, a Danish subsidiary of Bosch Rexroth, has unveiled expanded collaborative robot (cobot) capabilities at Automate 2026, integrating Bosch’s ctrlX AUTOMATION platform to deliver more flexible and intelligent industrial automation solutions. The new functionalities—developed in collaboration with Bosch’s engineering teams—mark a significant evolution in cobot technology, enabling manufacturers to deploy robots in smaller production runs with greater adaptability, according to company representatives at the event.
At the center of CASO’s advancements is the ctrlX AUTOMATION platform, which the company describes as a “digital twin” for industrial machines. This integration allows cobots to process data in real time, adjust workflows dynamically, and communicate seamlessly with other automation systems on the factory floor. “The fusion of CASO’s cobot expertise with Bosch’s automation ecosystem creates a more cohesive and responsive manufacturing environment,” said a Bosch Rexroth spokesperson at the Automate exhibition in Chicago.
CASO Robotics, headquartered in Denmark, has positioned itself as a leader in lightweight robotics designed for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The new functionalities introduced at Automate 2026—including enhanced force control, improved path planning, and AI-driven predictive maintenance—address key pain points for manufacturers seeking to modernize without overhauling existing infrastructure. “Our goal is to make advanced automation accessible to businesses that previously couldn’t justify the investment,” the spokesperson added.
Automate 2026, held annually by the Association for Advancing Automation (A3), is one of the largest gatherings of automation professionals in North America. This year’s event featured over 1,200 exhibitors and drew more than 30,000 attendees, according to official event data. CASO’s booth drew particular attention for its demonstration of cobots working alongside human operators in simulated assembly lines, showcasing the safety and efficiency gains of collaborative robotics.
What Are the Key New Features in CASO’s Cobots?
CASO Robotics highlighted three major enhancements at Automate 2026, each designed to improve cobot performance in real-world manufacturing settings:
- Adaptive Force Control: The cobots now use AI to adjust gripping force in real time, reducing damage to delicate components while maintaining precision. This feature is particularly valuable in electronics and pharmaceutical manufacturing, where traditional robots risk causing defects.
- Dynamic Path Optimization: Using data from the ctrlX AUTOMATION platform, cobots can reroute movements to avoid obstacles or adjust for human operators entering their workspace. Bosch engineers demonstrated this with a cobot that automatically shifted its path when a worker approached to inspect a part.
- Predictive Maintenance: Integrated sensors and Bosch’s digital twin technology enable cobots to predict mechanical failures before they occur, reducing downtime. The system alerts technicians to potential issues via the ctrlX platform’s cloud-based dashboard.
These upgrades build on CASO’s existing lineup, which already includes the popular CR-15iA and CR-30iA cobots. The new features are expected to be available for commercial deployment by mid-2024, with early-access programs underway for select customers.
How Does CASO’s Integration with Bosch’s ctrlX AUTOMATION Platform Work?
The ctrlX AUTOMATION platform serves as the backbone of CASO’s new cobot capabilities, offering a unified software environment for programming, monitoring, and optimizing robotic systems. Unlike traditional cobots, which often require separate controllers for each function, CASO’s solution consolidates all operations into a single interface.
“The ctrlX platform eliminates the need for multiple proprietary systems,” explained a Bosch automation engineer. “Users can now program a cobot to perform complex tasks—like assembling a product with multiple steps—without switching between different software tools.” The platform also supports open standards, allowing CASO cobots to integrate with third-party machines and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.
For manufacturers, this means reduced training costs and faster setup times. Bosch’s data shows that factories using ctrlX AUTOMATION with CASO cobots have seen up to a 30% reduction in programming time compared to traditional robotics setups, according to internal company benchmarks.
Who Stands to Benefit Most from These Advancements?
The expanded capabilities of CASO’s cobots are particularly advantageous for three key sectors:
- Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs): Traditional industrial robots often require significant capital investment and dedicated space, making them impractical for smaller operations. CASO’s cobots, with their modular design and lower footprint, are ideal for SMEs looking to automate without major infrastructure changes.
- Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Manufacturers: The adaptive force control and precision path planning are critical for handling sensitive materials. Companies like Novartis and Medtronic have already expressed interest in pilot programs, according to industry reports.
- Food and Beverage Producers: The cobots’ ability to work alongside human workers—while maintaining strict hygiene standards—makes them suitable for packaging and assembly lines where human interaction is necessary.
Beyond these sectors, educational institutions are also adopting CASO’s cobots for training programs. The University of Southern Denmark, for example, has integrated the technology into its engineering curriculum to teach students about collaborative robotics.
What Happens Next for CASO Robotics and the Cobot Market?
CASO Robotics plans to roll out the new functionalities in phases, beginning with early-access partnerships in Q3 2024. The company has also announced plans to expand its global service network, with new support centers opening in Germany and Japan by the end of 2024.
Looking ahead, industry analysts predict that the cobot market will continue to grow, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.5% through 2030, according to MarketsandMarkets. CASO’s integration with Bosch’s ctrlX platform positions it well to capture a significant share of this growth, particularly in regions where SMEs dominate manufacturing.
For businesses considering cobot adoption, CASO Robotics will host a series of webinars in the coming months to demonstrate the new features. Interested parties can register for updates via the company’s official website.
Key Considerations for Manufacturers
- Cost Efficiency: CASO’s cobots are designed to reduce the total cost of ownership by minimizing downtime and maintenance needs.
- Safety Compliance: All new models meet ISO 10218-1 safety standards for collaborative robots, ensuring they can operate safely in shared workspaces.
- Scalability: The ctrlX platform allows businesses to start with a single cobot and expand their automation footprint as needed.
- Industry-Specific Solutions: CASO offers customized configurations for sectors like pharmaceuticals, food processing, and electronics.
The next major checkpoint for CASO Robotics will be the Hannover Messe trade fair in April 2025, where the company is expected to announce additional partnerships and product updates. In the meantime, potential customers can request demonstrations through Bosch Rexroth’s global network of distributors.
For readers interested in exploring cobot solutions further, we recommend reviewing Bosch’s ctrlX AUTOMATION documentation or contacting CASO Robotics directly via their contact form. Have you considered implementing cobots in your operations? Share your experiences or questions in the comments below.
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