To mark the company's 100th anniversary, Festo is therefore designing an extraordinary application in the form of the Incredible Machine. It does not manufacture a specific product, but works on the principle of a Rube Goldberg machine, in which one impulse triggers the next. The Incredible Machine demonstrates the history of automation technology from the past to the present, and reflects our diverse skills and extensive expertise.
It shows the fascination for motion technologies – whether pneumatic, electric, digital or a combination – and the most important industries in which Festo operates, inspires enthusiasm for technology, and gives 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 the flap of a butterfly's wings can trigger a chain of movements, sometimes a small impulse can bring about significant changes. Our eMotionButterfly therefore sets the machine in motion. During this journey, we look back at our history, but above all we look forward to the future.
In 12 modules, a motion impulse runs over a total length of 14 meters, triggering a chain reaction of different motion functions in the machine. More than 1000 Festo products and more than 1.8 kilometers of tubing and cables are installed in the machine.
We set the world in motion for our customers. By simplifying the complex with innovations. We place the highest value on quality and efficiency. Festo automation offers the right solutions for everything needed for sustainable success – from pneumatics and controlled pneumatics to electrical automation, digitalization and AI. Compatible and with end-to-end connectivity. We call this Seamless Automation.
With our broad expertise, we offer you technology-agnostic advice, enabling smart innovations and maximum CO₂ savings. As an innovation leader, we will continue to set pioneering trends for the next 100 years and inspire with outstanding solutions for a wide range of industries.
Qualification is just as important as the technology. That's why we are systematically passing on our knowledge through technical training and further education that only Festo can offer. In short, our aim is to be the first port of call for automation across all technologies. Together we move the world. Welcome to the World of Motion. Welcome to 100 years of Festo.
The spirit of invention is deeply rooted in our corporate culture. Since our foundation, we have been setting standards in the development of innovative solutions that meet the requirements of our customers. This innovative strength means that Festo has a strong global presence. The first international companies are founded as early as 1956. Since then, the company has continued to develop, offering innovative automation solutions and technical training.
Each development represents a wing beat, followed by many more innovations. It all started with our first pneumatic products, which laid the foundation for our expertise in automation. The electronic controller FPC 606 is one of the first products to be launched by Festo's Electronics Development department.
In 1989, the first valve terminal combining valve technology with modern electronics is launched on the market. Our commitment to lifelong learning and constant innovation drives us to explore new technologies so as to provide the best service to our customers worldwide, and meet their needs.
Megatrends such as digitalization and electrification as well as the challenges of sustainability are also influencing technical education. Lifelong learning is the key to shaping future change and driving innovation. Festo Didactic empowers the specialists of today and tomorrow to meet the new challenges with practical learning solutions for technical training and further education.
In the module, the impulse follows the learning phases that people go through in different life situations. With the Bionic Flower, Festo Didactic is targeting schoolchildren to get them interested in STEM subjects at an early age. This is followed by the basics of pneumatics and electrics for apprenticeships, then data processing for technical degree subjects through to lifelong learning in professional life. A central element is the digital learning platform Festo Learning Experience (Festo LX), which effectively combines theory and practice. Learning systems such as the SkillsConveyor for basic training in automation technology and mechatronics offer valuable practical experience.