The MPS 400 series of learning factories are compact, modular, and Industry 4.0–ready training systems designed to support basic to advanced manufacturing education using equipment that closely mirrors real industrial production lines. The series is available in various reconfigurable system configurations, featuring combinations of individual stations, each modeling a typical step in automated production.
Based on the proven Modular Production System (MPS), the MPS 400 focuses on single‑workpiece flow and high modularity to support modern smart‑factory learning. Its flexibility makes the MPS 400 well suited for technical education institutions, universities, industrial training centers, and corporate workforce development programs.
- Comprehensive learning coverage: Large topic coverage using a single, integrated training system
- Didactic by design: Ready‑made learning modules, exercises, and digital courseware available on Festo LX
- Interdisciplinary focus: Hands‑on mechatronics learning that promotes systems thinking across disciplines
- Modular scalability: Expand seamlessly from starter setups to fully networked smart‑factory configurations
- Industry‑native integration: RFID, MES, and data analysis are built‑in features—not add‑ons
- Space‑efficient design: Bench‑mounted systems with optional ergonomic mobile trolleys
- High quality: Industrial components and technologies for long‑term relevance and durability
The MPS 400 learning factories cover the fundamentals of mechatronics and automation technology, as well as a wide range of different future-oriented course topics and fields of technology, such as:
- Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES)
- Online shop
- Machine learning and artificial intelligence
- IIoT retrofitting
- Industrial networking with PROFINET
- Radio frequency identification (RFID)
- Human-machine interface (HMI)
- PLC programming
- Industrial communication with OPC UA
- Smart sensors with IO-Link
- Industrial robotics
The MPS 400 platform offers multiple learning system configurations to accommodate different training objectives, space limitations, and budget requirements. Ready‑made systems consist of modular station combinations, allowing flexible expansion or reconfiguration.
MPS 402-1 – Small but mighty
Our most compact learning factory reproduces a complete production process. Here, workpieces are distributed and picked onto different chutes after a short quality check. MPS 402-1 is the ideal entry into the world of Industry 4.0 for smaller budgets and addresses topics such as artificial intelligence and IoT in production.
Extensions: Through the optional integration of Robotino, the MPS 402-1 can be transformed into an MPS 402-1 R. Robotino forms the bridge between the Station Distribution Pro and the Station Sorting Inline.
MPS 403-1 – Learning from a value-added production process
In the MPS, great importance has always been placed on practical application. In addition to the use of real industrial components, a value-added production process is an important building block for creating a learning system that is as close to practice as possible. MPS 403-1 is a reliable, all-around learning system that covers most basic topics in the field of mechatronics and Industry 4.0.
Extensions: In addition to the optional Robotino integration MPS 403-1 R, MPS 403-1 can be supplemented with various expansion packages. In this way, current topics such as IT security, energy monitoring and machine safety can be configured as required or added at a later date.
MPS 404-1 – Complete manufacturing in a learning format
MPS 404-1 offers all the basic aspects of complete, automated production. The value-added production process of the MPS 403-1 is supplemented by solid industrial measurement technology for quality control. A pneumatic valve terminal controlled via IO-Link for controlling a rotary-stroke unit also deepens the electropneumatic learning content in the direction of digitalization.
Extensions: MPS 404-1 can also be optionally supplemented with Robotino (MPS 404-1 R) and expanded with various learning packs.
MPS 405-1 – Industrial robot applications for automated assembly
MPS 405-1 provides a comprehensive introduction to industrial robot applications within an automated assembly process. The value-added process is realized through robot-based assembly of a pneumatic cylinder, combining handling, assembly, sensing, and quality checks in a realistic industrial workflow, and enabling systematic skill development across the full lifecycle of robot-based work cells.
Extensions: MPS 405-1 can also be optionally supplemented with Robotino (MPS 405-1 R) and expanded with various learning packs.
Each MPS 400 station consists of an MPS 400 module mounted on an MPS trolley. The trolley includes an operator panel with buttons for basic control and station alignment. Each system module is also equipped with an Ethernet switch and a PLC.
MPS 400 Distribution Pro
The MPS 400 Distribution Pro system building block pushes workpieces from three stacking magazines individually onto the conveyor belt using double-acting cylinders.
MPS 400 Joining
The MPS 400 Joining system building block checks the position of the workpieces with a laser sensor and mounts various attach¬ments if the position is correct.
MPS 400 Measuring Pro
The MPS 400 Measuring Pro system building block measures height and fill level as well as the weight of the workpieces. Defective parts are ejected on a chute.
MPS 400 Sorting Inline
The MPS 400 Sorting Inline system building block sorts the workpieces according to detected color and material or passes them on in the process.
MPS 400 Robot Assembly
The MPS 400 Robot Assembly assembles workpieces, which are fed in via a conveyor, into a single-acting pneumatic cylinder.
MPS 400 learning factories powered by an integrated Manufacturing Execution System (MES).
The MES provides a clear and consistent structure across all stations, making it a natural part of the learning environment. Learners gain a transparent understanding of how machines, software, and data interact in modern manufacturing, while abstract concepts such as digitalized production, process coordination, and data‑driven decision‑making are transformed into concrete, hands‑on learning experiences.
FactoryViews adds a visualization and interaction layer that sits alongside the MES.
This web-based software makes production flows, system states, and Industry 4.0 concepts clear, visual, and teachable without changing how production is controlled. Modules such as an integrated online shop and system-specific apps integrate seamlessly into this software. Training programs supported by augmented reality (AR) and clear, pedagogical preparation of all content with extensive training documentation make MPS 400 learning factories the ideal learning factory for I4.0 training.
A structured learning path on Festo LX explores the economic performance of production systems through KPIs such as OEE, productivity, efficiency, and quality, helping learners understand how production decisions affect overall economic outcomes.
The practical exercises included in the courses can be carried out either on physical MPS 400 stations or on their virtual twins, using FactoryViews and CIROS, our universal 3D simulation system. This flexibility enables teachers and learners to choose the setup best suited to each team and learning scenario.
Discover the Economics Learning Path