Application-specific handling systems

You know as well as we do that in today's high-speed production processes, time is a make-or-break factor. Machines need to operate at the shortest possible cycle times with maximum reliability. For you, it's all about technology. Because how you solve the handling task influences the performance of the entire system. The range of solutions for handling technology offered by Festo is very comprehensive, and covers a wide variety of applications in machine building. They can be standardised and combined, or an application-specific solution to meet your special requirements can be created. These solutions are quick and easy to operate, and will be delivered at your site ready for installation. We will be happy to support you with your handling system, from the planning to the commissioning phase. What would you like to set in motion?

Precisely tailored and ready to install

Our handling systems operate across technologies, whether pneumatic, servo-pneumatic or electric, which makes them effective and thus economical. Thanks to matching components and a high level of integration, they are quick and reliable to implement, completely in line with your requirements.

Sometimes a suitable combination of actuators is sufficient, sometimes all that is needed are minor adjustments to standard components, other times the function and size require additional adaptations, up to and including a new design. But everything is always done exactly according to your specifications.

Make or buy

To ensure that everything fits, we offer you support in all phases, from planning and design right up to commissioning. Based on the resources available to you, you determine the vertical range of manufacture and we deliver the customised handling system in individual parts or assemble the complete system. Of course our ready-to-connect handling devices always come with CAD data and user documentation, and have undergone rigorous checks and functional tests. This ensures maximum operational reliability.

Configure Cartesian robots yourself

With the engineering tool Handling Guide Online, you can configure and order complete Cartesian robots, whether as single-axis systems, 2D linear and planar surface gantries or three-dimensional gantries. All you have to do is enter the axis definition, payload and electrical characteristics and you will get the right version for your application in just 20 minutes, including the net price and CAD model. It's best to see for yourself how easy it is.

Benefits of the Cartesian complete systems using the Handling Guide Online:

  • Quick and efficient to configure and order online
  • Fully assembled and tested, guaranteeing fast installation
  • Perfectly matched motor, gearbox, servo drive and energy supply
  • Short delivery times
  • One part number, one delivery date, making order processing very straightforward and reducing logistics
  • For applications with low and high payloads
  • Complete documentation including CAD model and commissioning file


Customised handling systems on request

Do you have very specific requirements? Just discuss with them with our globally available experts. Our engineers are true experts with invaluable experience in customised handling technology and will be happy to work with you to develop your individualised handling system. Thanks to our expertise, we can take on the project planning for you, from replicating applications to complex large-scale projects.

Do you have any questions? Get in touch with us!


Success stories of satisfied customers

Small automated factory for DNA extraction

All the important functions in every phase of the process, such as identifying, transporting, washing and aspirating, can be carried out by solutions from Festo. We supported Synchron Lab Automation with the entire development of the extraction system. To create real added value, our automation experts suggested using the CPX-E unit.

Niels Kruize (pictured left), responsible for business development at Synchron Lab Automation, is impressed by the collaboration with Festo: "We have actually built a very small factory. Recently, one of our customers made a priceless statement. He said: "This is so beautiful and at the same time so simple, I just don't understand why nobody invented it earlier."

Read more about the extraction machine, whose capacity is already eight times greater than standard alternatives on the market.

Highly precise dispensing of casting resins in the smallest of spaces

It also includes a comprehensive software package for simple programming and commissioning, which is an integral part of the bdtronic GmbH complete solution. The controller software, based on CODESYS, offers the most important basic functions that are needed to program motion paths even without an in-depth knowledge of programming. The controller interfaces allow the compact USB cameras, sensors, actuators and valves all to be connected. All this results in great efficiency and saves considerable amounts of time and money.

“With the compact handling systems from Festo, we have a complete unit consisting of kinematics, controller and software from a single source. This saves us time and effort," reports André Hellinger, Head of Dispensing Technology Development at bdtronic.

Read the article to find out how both engineering work and costs could be reduced.

Fully automatic tool changer reduces set-up 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 the success of the mill-turn centres of Stama Maschinenfabrik GmbH. When designing the system solutions for the mill-turn centres, the specialists from the Festo Technology and Application Centres were able to call on a wealth of experience gained while designing thousands of ready-to-install handling solutions.

"It’s a big advantage to be able to get all the solutions we need for workpiece and tool handling from a single source during the project engineering process,” emphasises Jochen Boscher from Stama Project Management. In Festo, we have found a competent partner for the development of all our machine automation needs.”

Read more about how work cycles can be optimally utilised.