Dr Frank Melzer explain how Artificial Intelligence will have an enormous impact on Festo’s product portfolio. (video: Festo)
Under this year’s motto “Faster. Better. Connected. discover hybrid automation in a new dimension“, Festo demonstred suring the SPS/IPC/Drives fair, how the boundaries between pneumatic and electrical automation are becoming increasingly blurred.
Pneumatic, electrical or hybrid automation solutions for the market
Whether pneumatic, electrical or hybrid automation solutions – Festo has the widest product range on the market. As the world’s leading provider of automation technology and technical education, Festo is also focusing its products and services on smart production in the context of digitalisation.
Festo’s aim is to position itself cross-technologically and has therefore once again expanded its product portfolio in the field of electrical automation.
“In this area, we are dealing with a broad field of very different competitors. Therefore, we have focused on seamless connectivity in the development of our product portfolio – as in our core business of pneumatics.
That means we offer everything from machine axis mechanics and electronics to artificial intelligence and digitalisation from a single source. Only with Festo can customer requirements be met in this way”, says Dr Frank Melzer, Member of the Management Board for Product and Technology Management at Festo.
Festo Automation Suite: hardware and software combination of engineering tools
Festo is demonstrating cross-technology automation from the workpiece and mechanics to the cloud using a modular production system for personalized USB sticks. This “Productivity Master” shows the combination of all Festo engineering tools relating to the Festo Automation Suite as well as components and solutions in hardware and software.
Without software, Plug and Work with new products
With the “Simplified Motion Series” Festo is expanding its product portfolio in the field of electric drives. The six drives are designed for the simplest motion and positioning tasks.
In addition, the Simplified Motion Series can be quickly put into operation without software, previous knowledge of programming or electrical connection technology.
The integrated IO-Link offers extended functions: these include remote setting, parameter copy, backup function and read functions for extended process parameters.
The cost-effective plug-and-work solution thus combines the strengths of electrical systems with the simplicity of pneumatics.
From mechanics to control in a short time
A further product highlight is the Festo Automation Suite for commissioning the entire electrical drive package from mechanics to control. The software combines parameterisation, programming and maintenance of Festo components in a single program. Such a system can be commissioned in a short time.
By connecting its products to third-party products, Festo wants to offer its customers further added value. The CMMT servo controller is compatible in all directions. For example, whether for quick and problem-free integration into control systems from other manufacturers or simple motor connection using a single cable solution.
The BionicOpter, flying robot insect live
The BionicOpter, the largest flying robot insect in the world, has made it into the Guinness Book of Records 2020 this year.
Just like the real thing, the dragonfly flies in all directions and performs the most complicated flight manoeuvres. Its ability to move all wings independently of each other enables it to brake and turn dynamically, accelerate rapidly and even fly backwards. For the first time, a model can handle all flight conditions of helicopters, airplanes and even optocopters.
Festo Didactic: training programme of industrial automation technology and qualification for Industry 4.0
Festo Didactic will also be at the stand with its latest training programme in the field of industrial automation technology.
Increasingly intelligent systems and flexible production processes call for a new qualification of employees to operate digital and intelligent systems.
For example, Festo Didactic has developed the cyberphysical learning platform “CP Factory” for practical knowledge transfer. The platform depicts the states and processes of a real production plant in the form of a learning factory.
In addition to this, Festo Didactic also offers many training opportunities for the further training of employees.
Press breakfast for the trade press
On Wednesday, 27th of November 2019, an open press breakfast for the trade press took place on the exhibition grounds in the Oslo area.
Among others, Festo’s Chief Technology Officer Dr Frank Melzer, Jörg Kipper, Managing Director of the German Festo Vertriebsgesellschaft and Tanja Maaß, Managing Director of Resolto Informatik GmbH, a company which was taken over by Festo in April 2018 and which deals with artificial intelligence in industrial environments with hybrid automation, were present.
