Software takes center stage

Programs for hydraulics must combine reliability and flexibility.

The ongoing expansion of electrohydraulics is focusing the spotlight on the software that controls today's systems. Hydraulic-system designers challenged with writing thousands of lines of code are utilizing standards to ease this burden while they also devise ways to let OEMs customize programs.

The amount of software used to control devices, automate tasks, and simplify operator control is growing rapidly. As electrohydraulic systems replace mechanical techniques with electronics, the software that controls these systems is becoming a major product differentiator.