Didacta 2026

Shaping the future - We make technical education the engine for innovation

The shortage of skilled workers and the energy transition present significant challenges for businesses and society. Successfully navigating this transformation requires forward-looking skills and continuous employee development. At Festo Didactic, we focus precisely on this: With innovative training programs, complementary digital learning content and sustainable learning concepts we support you in preparing your learners and professionals for the demands of tomorrow.

Cologne Trade Fair, Hall 6, Booth B010
March 10–14 2026 from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

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Our technology areas in detail

Digital Learning

Digital learning combines modern technologies, interactive media and flexible learning formats to enable personalized learning anytime and anywhere. It complements traditional teaching methods and promotes digital skills that are essential in an increasingly connected and automated working world.

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These topics await you at our booth:

Festo Learning Experience (Festo LX)

Our digital learning portal takes a holistic approach to technical education, offering access to extensive, professionally developed learning content and practical tasks. The combination of eLearning courses and hands-on exercises allows learners to continuously expand their skills and sustainably secure their employability in today’s and tomorrow’s high-tech industry. Newly integrated is the LX Creator AI, which supports educators through artificial intelligence in efficiently creating and editing learning nuggets, courses, and learning paths.

FluidSIM

FluidSIM is a leading simulation software for creating and simulating circuit diagrams in pneumatics, hydraulics, and electrical engineering. Especially in technical training and education, it enables safe learning of complex processes and interrelationships. Practical simulations enhance technical competencies, reduce errors, and improve both efficiency and quality.

Extended Reality (XR) Powered Simulation

Experience automation and mechatronics in a mixed-reality environment with virtual automation components. Interact with valves, cylinders, tubes and other parts to gain hands-on understanding of their functions and how they work together within the system. Powered by the FluidSIM simulation core, the real-time simulation offers in-depth analysis and troubleshooting capabilities as well as interactive control. Additionally, you’ll gain insights into the use of mechatronic systems in real industrial environments.

Setup of pneumatics and control engineering

Using a pneumatic setup with the VTUX valve terminal, control is demonstrated via FluidSIM using the EasyPort interface, processing both analog and digital signals. In parallel, a control engineering setup shows the control of a level control loop, where the EduKit PA is also connected to FluidSIM via EasyPort.

Innovative learning environments

The environment in which learning takes place has a significant impact on effectiveness and learning success. That’s why we rely on multifunctional and flexible room designs to create the best possible learning environments. With our customizable systems, we support educators and learners in establishing ideal conditions—whether through fixed installations, highly flexible concepts, appropriate power and media supply, or complementary equipment.

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TecDesign

The flexible furniture concept consists of four components: learning system supports, storage, tables and media supply. In combination with the ceiling system, it offers maximum flexibility and modularity to effectively showcase various technology areas. Thanks to adaptable furniture this multifunctional furnishing concept can be individually adjusted to different learning situations and space requirements.

elneos®learn cubix

The flexible and versatile learning tower sets new standards for modern, flexible teaching. Its lightweight aluminum construction makes it easy to move within a room and ready for immediate use. With customizable equipment, it offers a wide range of applications for different learning environments. At Didacta, you can experience the elneos® learn cubix equipped with digitalization in pneumatics, test setups, building automation, and electrical safety measures.

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Fundamentals of automation technology | SkillsConveyor

A comprehensive solution for foundational training in automation technology and mechatronics – covering assembly and commissioning as well as VPS, LOGO, PLC, sensors and drive technology. In combination with the IIoT Machine Learning Kit, the basics of machine learning are also taught and applied in a practical way.

Fundamentals of automation technology | SkillsConveyor Kit

Learners build the system step by step. The components are organized on reusable shadow boards. After assembly and wiring, commissioning takes place. The system can be disassembled at any time and safely stored in the shadow boards or optionally in a Systainer.

Fundamentals of automation technology | SkillsMagazine Kit

A manufacturing project that provides hands-on training in metalworking fundamentals, subtractive manufacturing processes, component design, additive manufacturing and commissioning of mechatronic systems.

Fundamentals of automation technology | Operation via HMI and EduTrainer PLC

The SkillsConveyor basic system can be flexibly controlled via EasyPort with FluidSim or alternatively via the EduTrainer PLC in combination with an HMI.

Learning factory

  • Based on the proven modules of the CP systems, the learning factory integrates machine learning at all stations to monitor and optimize the production process.
  • Machine learning-based camera with quality control and anomaly detection.
  • Machine learning-based process monitoring using Festo AX.
  • Energy monitoring throughout the entire system.
  • Cobot with Machine learning-based worker collaboration.

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Step and servo motor control technology

Learn the fundamentals of position, speed and torque control in a practical way within a safe and flexible training environment. Ideal for installation, commissioning, configuration, as well as maintenance and troubleshooting of servo and stepper motor systems.

Gantry function with PLC

Gain hands-on experience in configuring and controlling multiple axes simultaneously.

Electrical drive technology

Comprehensive learning solutions to convey the key characteristics of different types of drives—illustrated using the three-phase asynchronous motor with the industrial frequency inverter G120.

Project kit for project work

Students learn to independently carry out commissioning, control manual axis movements, perform reference runs and set, play back and record motion profiles. Additionally, motion commands under variable loads are compared and motors are virtually configured and analyzed.

Elneos® learn cubix

With our flexible and versatile learning tower, we present additional topics such as smart home, protective measures, building automation and charging stations.

Fundamentals of control engineering

Setup of a level control loop as well as parallel control of the EduKit PA via the EasyPort with FluidSIM. Comparable control functions are demonstrated in a practical manner using two different control methods.

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Measurement and Control Technology | EduKit PA

The practical and illustrative introduction to the world of measurement and control technology. The use of control technology enables energy and resource savings. The EduKit project kit makes it easy and safe to get started.

Process Automation | MPS PA Compact Workstation

The optimal solution for industry-oriented teaching in a very small space. Compact and equipped with the latest industrial technology, this station allows the four control loops - level, flow, pressure and temperature - to be operated individually, enabling learning scenarios in measurement, control and regulation.

Measurement and Control Technology | FluidLab-PA

In connection with the course content from Festo LX, the FluidLab-PA software guides learners step by step and task by task through the world of measurement and control technology. It gives learners the feeling of sitting in the control room.

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Qualification for teachers and trainers

To ensure knowledge is passed on sustainably, we support teachers and trainers with modern training concepts and practical learning solutions.

  • Current technologies and didactic concepts
  • Methods for Industry 4.0
  • Programs for continuous skills development (directly experienceable at our learning factory, which demonstrates how industrial processes can be taught realistically in training)

Further education for industry

We prepare people for professional deployment - whether career changers or experienced specialists.

  • Seminars and complete qualification programs
  • Content on modern technologies and Industry 4.0
  • Practice-oriented learning concepts for direct application in companies (directly experienceable at our learning factory, which demonstrates how industrial processes can be taught realistically in training)

Electronics manufacturing curriculum

In line with our CP Lab learning factory, we present an innovative curriculum for electronics manufacturing.

  • Foundational modules and current technology topics
  • Networked systems with machine learning content
  • Focus areas such as ESD protection and wafer handling