Industry 4.0

In practice

Robotic automation is racing ahead

It is an exciting time in engineering automation. Over the past decade, the pace of innovation has accelerated automation and robotics to meet demands from the sector. Global sales volume of industrial robots has tripled[1] and the industrial robotics market is projected to reach USD 30.8 billion by 2027, from 17.68 billion by 2022, growing at a CAGR of 14.3% during the forecast period[2].

In practice

AI in machine control is a positive evolution

It’s a challenging time for Artificial Intelligence (AI) as the wider public have dramatically become aware and been able to access the technology. Broad public consciousness has mushroomed as tools like ChatGPT became mainstream in just a few months. However, this hasn’t been all good news for the technology as there have been many more negative press stories about its potential misuse than its power for good. The break-out of AI has stirred negative associations from fiction and gaming about rogue machines and computers wreaking havoc. It is important the engineering community is aware and communicates the benefits of the technology, differentiating the industrial applications where we can massively improve productivity, reduce energy consumption, and become more competitive.

In practice

Complete servo drive portfolio

Reducing complexity and securing reliable supply is critical to success when it comes to machine building. Nigel Dawson, Head of Business Development for Electric Automation at Festo explains how Festo is assisting the industry in connecting devices seamlessly and reducing the complexity of supply and control.

In practice

The art of making kitchens

It was not by chance that nobilia became Europe’s largest kitchen manufacturer. So, what is its recipe for success? Efficient kitchen unit production on highly automated assembly systems, many of which are supplied by Hüttenhölscher and use Festo automation products – equipped with IO-Link® – to improve flexibility and availability.

Innovation

Through the eyes of the future

You wear glasses so you can see better. You wear augmented-reality glasses so you can see more. These new spectacles enhance the surroundings with computer-aided information. Technologies with augmented reality (AR) make it possible to look at everyday situations as well as the working world of the future in a different way.

In practice

Breaking ranks

Many users of mill-turn centres from Stama are reporting time savings of up to 70% and unit cost reductions of 50%. This is all thanks to the high flexibility of the machines and their virtually negligible setup times. The integrated automation solution from Festo for loading and unloading the workpieces as well as the tool changer in the additional magazine contribute to this success.

Insights

Training rooms in the factory

Education, knowledge and individual learning are an integral part of the Festo corporate culture. The training factory at the Scharnhausen Technology Plant is incorporated directly in production and thus bridges the gap between practical learning in the workplace and theoretical learning in the training centre. Think tanks also provide a platform for cooperative technology and product development.

Insights

10 to the power of 40 variations

Whether it is a batch size of one or an annual production volume of 2.5 million, the new Festo Scharnhausen Technology Plant shows how flexibility and speed go hand in hand. Industry 4.0 has been implemented wherever possible. Thanks to the synergy between manual production and modular assembly lines, the plant can produce 10 to the power of 40 product variations.