Biological evolution can be formulated as an optimisation strategy for organisms to adapt to their environment. It is then an obvious step to apply this efficiency strategy of nature to the development of new technological methods and innovation processes, and to learn from possible applications for automation technology.
In this connection, efficiency criteria such as flexibility, low weight in relation to displaced mass, and energy consumption are becoming increasingly important. Nature shows in highly diverse ways how minimum consumption of energy can yield maximum performance.
Biomechatronic footprint
Festo understands the biomechatronic footprint as the documentation of
(r)evolutionary developments in the Bionic Learning Network, e.g. bionic actuators, fins and muscles. "Biomechatronics" represents the development and perfection of mechatronic products and processes by means of bionics – from nature as a "model", via the basic technological principles and bionic adaptation, up to industrial application.
Technical evolution – from individual control to collective behaviour
Autonomous, self-controlled and self-organising systems are the answer to future manufacturing scenarios that are subject to constant change. Inspired by nature, Festo is constantly perfecting sensor, control and regulation technology – right up to biomechatronics. This development progresses from individual control, via sensors and complex control systems, to future collective behaviour of all elements of the process chain.
Technical evolution – from the linear axis to the Bionic Handling Assistant
Maximum flexibility, low moving mass and energy efficiency are the target parameters of efficient handling systems. The evolution begins with classic linear drive, continues via the spatial portal, the classic tripod and the second-generation BionicTripod, up to the Future Concept of the Bionic Handling Assistant.
Technical evolution – from the angle gripper to the FinGripper
The FinGripper is an ideal grasping unit that reliably and flexibly handles highly diverse products of different sizes, textures and shapes, such as fruit and vegetables. With the bionic FinGripper, Festo is opening up entirely new perspectives in adaptive grasping. Its highly sensitive fingers can also handle fragile and irregularly shaped items. The flexible, servopneumatic HGPPI has already come very close to this ideal.