From buzzword to absolute necessity
TXOne integrates cybersecurity solutions to Rexroth's ctrlX World
TXOne Networks, a specialist in OT native security, is now working with Bosch Rexroth as part of the partner network ctrlX World. We talked about this with TXOne, represented by Dr Terence Liu and Giorgio Santandrea, and with Bosch Rexroth, represented by Steffen Winkler and Hans Michael Krause.
Markt&Technik: Is the partnership between the two companies a technology partnership or an alliance partnership?
Steffen Winkler, Senior Vice President Sales Business Unit Automation & Electrification Solutions, Bosch Rexroth: Our partner network ctrlX World expands the range of solutions offered by our open automation system ctrlX Automation, primarily with software, but also with hardware that is compatible with our Linux-based operating system ctrlX OS. Currently, the collaboration with TXOne is focusing on technology for OT security. The partnership provides us with a very good complement to our operating system for industrial automation, which we have developed according to secure by design and secure by default principles. We recently received IEC 62443-4-2 certification for this. The network security solution TXOne Edge is able to protect network devices and controllers running ctrlX OS in automation. We are also in talks to further integrate the security features into our operating system to build even more robust and reliable solutions for the industry. So we are working with TXOne to further expand the OT security offering.
Dr Terence Liu, CEO, TXOne Networks: The industry has now turned its attention to protecting production sites and is realising that the best way is not OT security alone, but product security. It is not efficient to have only visibility and asset inventory. Together we are trying to improve product security and OT security to ensure that our key accounts can benefit from this.
What are the advantages of this partnership for both sides?
Steffen Winkler: A high level of security is not only a competitive advantage, but is also becoming increasingly important in view of regulatory requirements such as the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) and the Machinery Regulation (EU) 2023/1230. We are now working with TXOne to optimise OT security in order to drive this topic forward in the interests of our customers.
Dr Terence Liu: Bosch Rexroth is a very important and respected name in the market, and we are proud to be able to cover all systems and components that include ctrlX Automation products, such as machinery and equipment, to protect customers' mission-critical assets throughout their lifecycle. This is a great opportunity for TXOne to complement the ctrlX Automation solution portfolio of Bosch Rexroth, one of the key players in the OT sector.
What first steps are you taking now?
Hans Michael Krause, Director Partner Ecosystem, Bosch Rexroth: As a specialist in OT security, TXOne understands our customers and their needs. The TXOne products fit in very well with our automation portfolio.
Dr Terence Liu: We block cyber attacks in real time, and that is an important sales argument. The combination with Bosch Rexroth's ctrlX Automation portfolio makes this possible for the first time. We are also able to support legacy systems and secure the machines.
Giorgio Santandrea, OEM & Machine Builder Director Europe, TXOne Networks: This special portfolio and our security products are a very good combination, which we are already showing together with customers in Italy and Germany.
Is this a global or local partnership?
Steffen Winkler: In our partnership with TXOne, we are currently focusing primarily on mainland Europe, particularly Germany and Italy.
Dr Terence Liu: Exactly. It is a global partnership, but with a focus on Europe.
Which products are involved?
Dr Terence Liu: From our side, the Edge IPS network solution. Discussions are currently underway about further collaboration, which could potentially include other product families.
Steffen Winkler: At Bosch Rexroth, we have access to the complete ctrlX Automation solution portfolio.
Are there any joint customers in the DACH region?
Hans Michael Krause: A common customer is Bosch and Bosch Werke. The contact with TXOne also came about through Bosch.
Are there already use cases?
Steffen Winkler: Apart from projects in our production, there are no use cases yet, as the partnership was only concluded at the end of 2024. We are looking forward to a long-term collaboration.
Hans Michael Krause: We are already presenting solutions for recognising network attacks (intrusion detection) and preventing them (intrusion prevention) at trade fairs.
Dr Terence Liu: But we expect many use cases in the near future that can relate to any vertical company, such as automotive or semiconductors, because the ctrlX Automation portfolio offers all components for automation solutions, including control technology, and works well as a proof-of-concept (POC).
Dr Liu, so the security solution you offer is application-independent?
Dr Terence Liu: Yes, it is very universal because it is aimed at the control system and therefore lies behind the machine itself.
What is the roadmap for the next one to two years?
Steffen Winkler: We presented the partnership at the Hannover Messe and have clear plans, which we expect to be able to tell you more about at SPS 2025.
Dr Terence Liu: What we can already say is that Bosch Rexroth is aligning its products and services to ensure that companies comply with CRA regulations. Therefore, more of our products, such as Stellar, are expected to become part of the partnership in the near future, as well as possible further joint services.
In conclusion, how important has cybersecurity become in recent years?
Dr Terence Liu: The most important insight that decision-makers in the OT sector should gain is that product security as a concept is becoming much more important. We can already see that many machine builders are paying attention to this topic. For example, in our 2024 annual report published a few weeks ago, for which we surveyed over 150 CISOs worldwide (the second largest group comes from Germany), 87 per cent stated that they had increased their OT cybersecurity budgets. We are therefore delighted to be working with Bosch Rexroth in this area.
Steffen Winkler: Cybersecurity was just a buzzword for many years, but with the CRA it has become an absolute necessity. However, many industrial companies are still unsure how to deal with this new situation. At Bosch Rexroth, we are currently consistently aligning all products and services to ensure that companies can fulfil the regulations with our portfolio and make their systems secure and robust in the long term. In TXOne, we have found a reliable ctrlX World partner for security.
The interview was conducted by Andreas Knoll.
