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.
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.
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
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 CO₂ 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.
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.
Megatrends such as digitalisation 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 offers practical learning solutions for technical basic and further training to empower the skilled workers of today and tomorrow to meet new challenges.
In the module, the movement 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 degrees in technical topics, all the way to lifelong learning throughout professional working life. The digital learning platform Festo Learning Experience (Festo LX) plays an important part by effectively combining theory and practice. Learning systems such as the SkillsConveyor for basic training in automation technology and mechatronics offer valuable practical experience.
Festo helps car manufacturers to optimise their production processes and promote sustainability. In order to reduce our CO₂ emissions, we are not only changing the way we use vehicles, but also how we manufacture them. The advanced automation solutions from Festo increase productivity, reduce cycle times and minimise waste.
The module shows the cycle of how metal parts are first shaped and welded in a servo press. Digital twins collect process data and optimise the parameters. During the "marriage", the battery body is installed in the vehicle. At the end of the cycle, the circle is completed by removing the used battery and recycling the materials.
Festo is committed to shaping a circular economy by offering technologies that utilise resources efficiently and prevent waste. In addition, we use artificial intelligence and predictive maintenance to help our customers optimise operations, anticipate the need for maintenance and reduce downtime.
Our customers are experiencing for themselves how quickly the digital transformation is progressing. Nowhere is this happening more quickly than in the electronics industry. The ever shorter innovation cycles require flexible systems that are up and running quickly, and preferably at a fraction of the cost. This can only be achieved with automated solutions that are both reliable and economical.
In this module, the movement starts in wafer production, the preliminary product of microchips. Controlled Pneumatics and piezo technology enable high-precision movements in the nanometre range to apply the conductor tracks. This technology also protects the wafers from damage and contact with oxygen by keeping them in special nitrogen containers (foups) while transporting them to the next station. In the next step, the wafers are coated before they are cut into individual microchips.