Incredible Machine

From a small impulse to the entire world of motion

Standing still is not an option in the world of industrial automation – everything is in motion. From pneumatic movement using air to electric automation, from the transport of liquids, raw materials and components to the digital transmission of data, movement has had a significant influence on Festo from the very beginning. We have been shaping and steering the world of industrial production with inventiveness and a pioneering spirit for 100 years. Discover the Incredible Machine and embark on a fascinating journey of movement in our anniversary exhibit.

Movement after movement

To mark the company's 100th anniversary, Festo has designed an extraordinary application, the Incredible Machine. It is not a specific product, but works on the principle of a Rube Goldberg machine, in which one movement triggers the next. The Incredible Machine demonstrates the history of automation technology from the past to the present and reflects our wide range of competencies and our comprehensive expertise.

A look into the future of automation

It shows the fascination for motion technologies, be it pneumatic, electric, digital or a combination of these, it presents the most important industries in which Festo operates, it inspires enthusiasm for technology and it provides an outlook on what the future of automation could look like – because inventiveness and a pioneering spirit have been part of our DNA from the very beginning.

Just as a butterfly can trigger a chain of movements by fluttering its wings, sometimes a tiny impulse can bring about significant changes. That is why our eMotionButterfly sets the machine in motion. During this journey, we look back at our history, but above all we are looking forward to the future.

A movement impulse runs across 12 modules, a total length of 14 metres, triggering a chain reaction of different motion functions in the machine. More than 1000 Festo products and more than 1.8 kilometres of tubing and cables are installed in the machine.

Overview of all the product innovations that have been integrated

Module 1: World of Motion

From a Small Impulse to the Entire World of Motion

We set the world in motion for our customers. We do this by using innovations that make complex tasks simple. And by placing extremely high value on quality and efficiency. Automation from Festo offers suitable solutions for everything that is needed for long-term success, from pneumatic and electric automation to Controlled Pneumatics, digitalisation and AI. Everything is compatible and equipped with seamless connectivity. We call this seamless automation.

Our wide range of expertise allows us to offer you advice for all types of technology, paving the way for smart innovations and maximum COâ‚‚ savings. As an innovation leader, we will continue to set groundbreaking trends for the next 100 years and offer outstanding and inspiring solutions for a wide range of industries.

And training will be just as important as technology. That is why we always pass on our knowledge through technical basic and further training that is only offered by Festo. In short: Our aim is to be the first port of call for automation in all areas of technology. Together we move the world. Welcome to the World of Motion. Welcome to 100 years of Festo.

To the World of Motion

Module 2: History

From the Beginnings to the Future

The spirit of invention is deeply rooted in our corporate culture. Since the company was founded, we have been setting benchmarks by developing innovative solutions that meet the needs of our customers. This innovative strength means that Festo has a strong global presence. The first international companies were founded as early as 1956. Since then, the company has continued to develop, offering innovative automation solutions and technical education.

Each development represents a flutter of wings, followed by many more innovations. It all started with our first pneumatic products, which laid the foundation for our expertise in automation. The introduction of electronic controller FPC 606 is one of the first products to come out of the Festo electronics development programme.

The first valve terminal combining valve technology with modern electronics was launched on the market in 1989. Our commitment to lifelong learning and constant innovation drives us to explore new technologies so that we can provide the best service for our customers worldwide and fulfil their requirements.

To the Company history