Automation solutions designed for reliable IVD performance
To help device manufacturers move quickly from concept to scalable production systems, We provide reliable automation technologies that facilitate precise motion, stable pressure control, and reproducible fluid handling throughout the lifecycle of the device. These technologies enable modular automation architectures for everything from compact point-of-care instruments to high-throughput laboratory platforms. They also address key aspects such as space constraints, cleanliness, reproducibility, integration requirements, and service life.
Automation competencies for the entire workflow
Automation from Festo supports many processes in diagnostic analysers, such as sample loading, gas and liquid control, dispensing, mixing and handling waste. This applies to molecular diagnostics, immunoassay, clinical chemistry, haematology and other applications.
Motion and handling systems
Festo handling systems ensure:
- Precise positioning of sample tubes, cuvettes, slides, cartridges, and microtiter plates
- Repeatable motion for pipetting, dispensing, and transferring reagents
- Defined forces, accuracy, and integrated sensors for stable process quality
Our portfolio is suitable for both low-payload PoC instruments and high-speed laboratory analysers.
Read more on our handling systems and axes for lab automation
Fluid handling and media control
Festo provides components and subsystems for accurate, contamination-free media control and enable:
- Pressure/vacuum generation for microfluidics
- Pressure-over-liquid dosing for reagents and samples
- Precise routing of liquids and gases
- Stable flow control of processes such as sample transport or rinsing
Read more on our liquid handling portfolio
Components and subsystems for automating IVD devices
Festo solutions are designed to provide clean environments, a long service life, and high reproducibility, all essential for clinical instruments.
Standardised automation components
Festo offers a wide range of standardised components for automation in IVD equipment, for example:
- Media-separated valves for aggressive or sensitive fluids
- Miniature solenoid valves for fast pneumatic switching
- Proportional flow control valves and pressure regulators
- Pressure, flow, and position sensors
- Compact electric actuators
Ready-to-install subsystems and modules
Festo delivers functional assemblies that reduce engineering effort, accelerate validation and:
- Have a customized design
- Are compact and space-saving
- Offer straightforward interfaces for easy integration
- Include documentation
- Have just one part number
- Are delivered reliably and quickly in large quantities to industry standards
Examples include machined and diffusion bonded manifolds, integrated pressure control modules, pre-assembled multi-axis solutions and dispensing subsystems.
Facing an automation challenge in your IVD design?
Contact usSupporting you from development to a market-ready device
Festo is your automation partner who understands both device design and production realities. With our collaborative engineering approach, we help you reduce risk, accelerate time-to-market, improve efficiency and save costs right from the start of your development process.
The benefits of collaborative engineering
- Standardise your design and reduce development time thanks to jointly developed and tested subsystems
- Quickly obtain your own sample designs
- Move faster from prototyping to product launch
- Access global after-sales support