Universal Machine Connector (UMC) from Bosch Manufacturing Solutions is an application for connecting to different industrial controls, shopfloor devices, IT systems or other data sources.
Depending on the configuration, the app reads variables, tags, datapoint values by means of various protocols and transfers them to a data target.
Examples for data sources, protocols and targets are:
Bosch Rexroth
Siemens S5, S7 & Sinumerik
Beckhoff (ADS)
Allen-Bradley (Ethernet/IP)
OPC UA
MongoDB, MQTT, Solace, Kafka, Nexeed, ProMaster, Python, Matlab, UDP, TCP, multiple file formats, and many more...
The number of connections as well as the used protocols depend on the UMC license selected. (see license description below)
Additionally, the UMC provides bidirectional communication, e.g. between Allen-Bradley PLC systems and ctrlX Data Layer as well as Fanuc controller and ctrlX Data Layer.
Data acquisition is the basic functionality to implement use-cases for:
optimize production
connect to Scada or MES systems
process monitoring
data-based process optimizations, control loop implementations, user guidance and many more.
Your benefits at a glance
UMC
Supports a large variety of protocols
Developed with a broad and well-founded knowledge of industrial control and IT systems
Data can be processed in real time or non-real time
Data can be transferred bidirectional
Provides data and enables various I4.0 solution
easy setup and handling
UMC with fixed protocol specification
Low configuration effort by providing predefined configurations
Main Features
Available Apps & Licenses
There are 2 App and 2 License Types which are available and explained here:
App for the implementation of a single machine connection (1 source & 1 target)
App for the implementation of up to three machine connections (up to 3 sources & 3 targets)
-> Choose the app dependent on your machine connections!
Standard License for maximum flexibility – entitles to connect one source and one target with unlimited datapoints. It allows to change the protocol at any time depending on the machine (target) connected – especially relevant, if a connected machine will be switched to another that requires a different protocol
Fixed Protocol Licenses – also entitles to connect one source and one target with unlimited datapoints. Protocol is fixed to the respective choice and can’t be changed later on! - Fixed source and target combination.
One UMC license entitles to connect to one controller, if several controllers need to be connected further UMC licenses are needed. Each app can only handle one source and one target connection, but unlimited data points.
Combine depending on your needs:
One or more machine connections
Flexibility to change protocols later on or fixed protocol selection
Latest version
Version 5.7.0
Support for Fanuc FOCAS
New ADLS Gen2 blob storage as target
version will be available for download by mid-April 2026 - If you need it before, please write to [email protected]
Prerequisites
none
Documentation
see download area of app
Support
Related Links
Curious?
You can test many apps free of charge with a virtual control system provided by ctrlX WORKS.
Just download ctrlX WORKS and follow this How-to
[link-button type="light" text="TRY IT NOW" target="_blank" href="https://community.boschrexroth.com/ctrlx-os-store-apps-oc2pqqwn/post/ctrlx-works-xOJLFLUiK4NGm5H"]
The Company
As a global supplier in the area of special purpose machinery, Bosch Manufacturing Solutions offers individual & intelligent assembly and testing solutions, incl. advanced manufacturing processes and technologies, digital & intelligent solutions and services along the entire product life cycle.
