At this year’s bauma, HydraForce is spotlighting its latest innovations in smart, compact hydraulic technology — aligning with the industry’s broader shift toward electrification, efficiency, and integrated intelligence. Visitors can see HydraForce and Bosch Rexroth technologies in Hall 3, Booth 327.
A key focus is the Rexroth EDG-OBE, now available with onboard electronics (OBE). These advanced valves deliver high flow rates — up to 120 lpm —while offering precise, proportional control and fast response times. Designed for energy-efficient systems, they are suitable for applications such as independent metering, multi-pump architectures, and distributed hydraulics, where working functions are located farther from the machine center.
“These valves are built to support the next generation of machine architectures,” said Markus Bissbort. “By combining proportional control, sensor integration, and CAN bus connectivity, they help OEMs reduce system size and complexity while enhancing performance and diagnostics.”
EDG-OBE provides digitalization while increasing the efficiency of hydraulics. This integration of digital technologies including sensors, actuators, and intelligent control systems increases the precision and responsiveness of hydraulic systems.
The piloting module with integrated onboard electronics has been developed for the EDG range of pre-compensated compact directional valves. The EDG-OBE features closed-loop operation with integrated hall-effect spool position feedback, enabling the onboard controller to continuously adjust piloting signals to maintain the desired spool position. The high accuracy opens up new options for various precision applications, including autonomous vehicle functions.
The EDG-OBE is a plug-and-play CAN control compatible with CAN SAE J1939, a vehicle standard based on the CAN BUS automotive protocol widely used in mobile machine applications. Acting as an independent CAN device on the network, the main vehicle control only needs to send a command instructing the valve to open at a specific percentage of its maximum capacity. The onboard electronics implements the command. It can also report back information on status, opening position, and diagnostic messages to the vehicle controller.
The onboard electronics handles all the functions required to provide a stable output of the valve. It operates the PID (Proportional-Integral-Derivative) control loop, performs curve shaping and scaling if configured, and controls the piloting of the main spool by adjusting signals multiple times per second to maintain the set position.
Using the CAN-based distributed control architecture not only enhances efficiency but also lightens the load on the main vehicle controller, allowing machine designers to use a more optimized main vehicle control with fewer total inputs and outputs. For example, a truck-mounted crane may use both a vehicle-mounted control station and a remote “belly box”. An aerial work platform typically employs ground controls as well as platform controls. These separate control stations can operate the valves independently. The long wire loom to the platform only needs to carry a CAN signal, eliminating the need for heavy current-carrying conductors associated with significant voltage drop. Redundant controls can also be implemented for safety-relevant applications.
By closing the loop with spool position feedback, the EDG-OBE compensates for variations in coil resistance, temperature, and hydrodynamic forces. Even manufacturing variations are overcome with position feedback. The result is accuracy comparable to servo-controls, fast response times, and minimal hysteresis.
HydraForce is also showcasing hybrid manifolds — solutions that combine technologies from across the Bosch Rexroth and HydraForce portfolios to deliver higher efficiency, reduced footprints, and smarter control. These hybrid assemblies are designed to offer tailored performance advantages by merging the best of both companies’ capabilities.
In addition to component highlights, HydraForce and Bosch Rexroth continue to underscore the growing synergy between brands within the group. The company is presenting focused solutions, allowing visitors to explore how their technologies can be configured to meet a variety of machine needs.
HydraForce
www.hydraforce.com
Bosch Rexroth
www.boschrexroth.com
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