“We can solve any motion task our customers bring to us,” says Gerhard Borho, Executive Board Member for IT and Digitalisation. “We are the only supplier to combine electrical and pneumatic automation technology that seamlessly fits together”, he added. By so doing, Mr Borho emphasises the core of the "Seamless Automation" approach at Festo. This approach defines Festo’s edge, not only in terms of technology, but in how we support customers throughout their entire value creation process. Seamless isn’t just what we do. It’s how we lead.

Festo is the only supplier in the industry that offers a broad portfolio from a single source. This includes pneumatic and electrical automation technology, as well as digitalisation and artificial intelligence (AI) solutions. Thanks to the open system architecture, the products and technologies can be intelligently connected, ensuring seamless and easy integration with one another. Customers benefit from a great deal of flexibility because Festo provides them with the solution that best suits their individual movement task, regardless of the technology used. Other advantages include the open system architecture, which allows for the control of both electrical and pneumatic systems within a single solution. This ensures a seamless and straightforward connection to the control architecture of the customer's machines and systems, saving them up to 70% in development time.

The prerequisite for offering users this level of technological flexibility is a broad portfolio that also covers electrical automation, where consistency remains the top priority. The portfolio covers everything from axes, motors, servo drive controllers, and motion controllers to the appropriate automation software AX Controls. It also extends to the integration of all data into IoT environments and the evaluation of that data using standardised AI applications. It also extends to the integration of all data in IoT environments and evaluation with standardised AI apps.

One example of seamless automation at Festo is the VTUX valve terminal, in combination with the CPX-AP-A remote I/O system, which creates a connection between pneumatic and electrical automation. The combination enables the easy connection of pneumatics to AI solutions, allowing for smart and innovative functions.

Consistency of value-added processes

The topic of consistency affects not only products and technologies, but all phases of the customer’s value creation process. “We support our customers every step of the way, from the initial idea through to machine operation, across the entire value creation process," explains Frank Notz, a member of the Executive Board and Chief Sales Officer at Festo.

Festo is expanding its offering with new software solutions being added, designed to support customers across the entire value chain. With the personalised “MyFesto“ dashboard on the Festo website, customers have a central overview of their current offers and service inquiries, while also accessing all project-related product data conveniently through "MyFesto Projects".

In the future, users will have an even easier time at Festo: With the "System Configurator", they will have a central entry point into the entire world of Festo engineering tools. Customers can use it to design, select, dimension and configure their individual automation systems as a complete machine topology. They will be able to configure specific components or entire load cases, from PLCs to drive controllers and remote I/Os in the AP network to IO-Link devices. This seamless integration enables efficient collaboration between different functions within the company, allowing design engineers and buyers to access the same data.

Seamless collaboration

Consistent data storage via "MyFesto Projects" makes it possible to import design data and control parameters directly into the Festo Automation Suite. This greatly simplifies the commissioning of the mechatronic subsystems. It also significantly reduces the time to first movement and facilitates the transition from planning to implementation. The Festo Automation Suite also provides function modules and device description files to seamlessly integrate subsystems into the PLCs of all common manufacturers, significantly improving connectivity.

Comprehensive automation portfolio

Today's users must integrate control and motion technologies, AI, data, and predictive maintenance within short development cycles. Festo is enabling more motion solutions through Festo AX Controls. It supports users with many software modules, including the Festo AX OS operating system, the Festo AX Motion control software and the Festo AX Machine Visualisation software. This open architecture enables flexible development of individual solutions and seamless integration of existing systems. Fields of application can be developed from classic motion controllers to a wide range of motion, IoT and edge tasks in an industrial environment, depending on customer needs.

Festo Virtual Assistant – AI-powered support across all phases

Festo is constantly developing the topic of "seamless connectivity". The Festo Virtual Assistant is an example of this. The AI-powered application helps with design, installation, assembly, maintenance, or specifications. It integrates several of Festo's data sources and provides concrete answers via ChatGPT technology.

In its initial version, the Virtual Assistant is linked to the documentation on the Festo Support Portal, including manuals, data sheets, and operating manuals. This integration allows the AI-driven chatbot to conduct technical support conversations in a human-like manner and interactively reference relevant information. Registered customers can access the Virtual Assistant on our website homepage.

Seamless automation removes barriers and drives results. Festo combines pneumatic and electrical automation with AI and digital solutions to deliver complete, end-to-end support to its customers. With intelligent connectivity, consistent technology, and tools like MyFesto, System Configurator, and the AI-powered Virtual Assistant, customers can design, integrate, and optimise their systems faster and smarter. By making automation seamless, Festo empowers companies to innovate, boost productivity, and simplify complex processes, turning every challenge into an opportunity for growth. By making automation seamless and combining consistency, intelligent connectivity, and a comprehensive solution portfolio, Festo empowers customers to innovate, simplify processes, and achieve their automation goals more quickly and efficiently.

Consistency is what distinguishes Festo in terms of technologies and the value creation process.