Contents

Integrated Data Acquisition in Linear Guides
Digital Communication with the BiSS-C Interface
AI-Supported Process Analysis and Predictive Maintenance
Different Measurement and Interface Options

Bosch Rexroth has expanded its IMS-A integrated position measurement system with a new BiSS-C interface and a MEMS sensor. By enabling position, acceleration and temperature data to be measured directly in linear guides, the enhanced system provides a data infrastructure for condition monitoring, fault analysis and AI-supported process optimisation.

Bosch Rexroth is continuing its work on digitalisation in linear motion technology. The company has announced that it has added a MEMS sensor and a BiSS-C sensor interface to the IMS-A integrated position measurement system it developed for ball and roller rail systems.

The new design makes it possible to record not only position information on linear axes but also other operating data that can be used to evaluate machine performance.

Integrated Data Acquisition in Linear Guides

Increasing precision and process stability in machine and plant engineering requires data obtained from linear motion systems to be evaluated digitally.

Monitoring the operating conditions of axes is particularly important in dynamic applications such as linear robots, gantry systems, machine tools, and laser and cutting systems.

Bosch Rexroth’s IMS-A system aims to meet this need through a MEMS sensor developed by Bosch and an interface compliant with the BiSS-C standard.

Both components are integrated into the runner block of the profiled rail system. This allows the following data to be recorded without additional external sensors:

Absolute position information
Acceleration and vibration data in three axes
Temperature and temperature changes
Distance travelled
Total operating hours

The collected data can be transmitted synchronously to the control system.

Digital Communication with the BiSS-C Interface

The IMS-A absolute position measurement system can be used with BSHP series precision ball rail systems and RSHP series roller rail systems.

The encoder in the new version is certified by the BiSS-C Association, which defines and maintains the open-source BiSS-C protocol.

An enhanced successor to the SSI standard, BiSS-C provides fully digital, bidirectional communication. The system offers higher clock frequencies, integrated diagnostic functions and CRC error checking.

BiSS-C joins the existing SSI, HIPERFACE, DRIVE-CLiQ and FANUC αi interface options of the IMS-A system.

AI-Supported Process Analysis and Predictive Maintenance

The data recorded by IMS-A allows the operating conditions of linear motion systems to be evaluated in greater detail.

Continuous monitoring of vibrations in three spatial axes and of temperature changes can be used to assess machine health and in condition-based maintenance.

According to Bosch Rexroth, the system can also provide data for AI-supported process optimisation.

For example, after a collision or mechanical overload on a machine, the recorded acceleration values can be examined to analyse the circumstances of the event. This data can help evaluate service processes and clarify possible liability disputes.

Different Measurement and Interface Options

For applications that do not require a BiSS-C interface, an incremental version of the IMS system is also available.

In addition, Bosch Rexroth offers the IMScompact solution, which uses a magnetic measuring system, with absolute and incremental measurement options.

System selection, sizing and interface configuration can be carried out using online configurators developed for IMS runner blocks and guide rails.

These tools also provide access to CAD data, technical documentation and lubrication information.

The new measurement and communication features that Bosch Rexroth has added to the IMS-A system create a technical basis for more comprehensive use of data from linear motion components in machine control, maintenance and process analysis.

Source: Bosch Rexroth AG – Linear guide with integrated position measurement system enables AI-based process analyses, Press Information PI 032/26, 14 September 2026.

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