Attractive non road remote communication entry-level product: RCU Lite BODAS interconnected communication terminal connects vehicles and the cloud, which can be managed remotely. (Image source: Bosch Rexroth AG)
The newly launched RCU Lite remote communication terminal is an attractive entry-level interconnected communication terminal provided by Bosch Rexroth, which establishes strong and scalable secure IoT applications for users with cost-effective configurations. The platform gateway is based on a microcontroller and equipped with an embedded operating system, specifically developed for the off road market. It can provide multiple connection options for collecting and transmitting vehicle data to serve fleet management. Interconnected communication terminals can be managed and upgraded remotely.
The new RCU Lite entry-level 5 series product is a supplement to microprocessor based 10 series RCU (standard) and 20 series (high-performance) products. The 5 series hardware is based on a dual core microcontroller equipped with an embedded operating system, which can easily access off road vehicles through secure remote communication.
RCU Lite can collect vehicle data (CAN tracking) from up to two CAN buses. The communication between vehicles and the Internet is based on the LTE CAT-M mobile communication standard applicable to IoT devices. In the future, a feature will also be launched to access personal vehicles through smartphones. The fleet manager can use this function to determine the user of the machinery, and the vehicle can only be started through the certificate stored on the smartphone.
The shell protection level of RCU Lite is IP67, meeting all requirements for durability and suitable for harsh environmental conditions. By using the AMP Superseal 1.5mm connector, remote communication terminals can be integrated into the vehicle infrastructure in an easy, flexible, and low-cost manner.
RCU Lite has also reached the current highest level of network security. The integrated certificate management system ensures communication security, thanks to Bosch’s various security and data protection functions, such as TPM (Trusted Platform Module), and RCU is also prepared to meet future regulatory requirements.
Supplementary software for the BODAS interconnected ecosystem
Process parameters and fault information can be read through the provided basic software. By combining RCU Lite with the BODAS Interconnection Device Management Service Pack, device management can be carried out, including remote upgrades and configurations. The 10 series RCU and high-performance 20 series models also allow for the use of the BODAS universal brushing function to complete the brushing operation of Bosch Rexroth and other manufacturers’ controllers.
RCU Lite is a cost-effective entry-level product suitable for the BODAS interconnect full function interconnect product package. It is a complete set of remote communication solutions that can be extended to device management through industry validated data management services. Fully integrated end-to-end IoT solutions can provide an increasing number of easily adjustable standard modules for fleet management and other services. Comprehensive data analysis can be conducted through REST APIs that connect to other cloud systems and the BOSCH IoT Insights based BODAS interconnect data management front-end.