Bioprocesses are becoming increasingly important for industry, as they represent sustainable alternatives to conventional production processes and enable new products to be manufactured. BioTech Automation is an overview that Festo is presenting of components and solutions that are already available, based on selected cultivation processes that are illustrated with two bioreactors: an algae reactor using the example of Chlorella vulgaris and a stainless steel reactor for the cultivation of microorganisms such as E. coli. Also illustrated is a training reactor as a modular training concept. A bioprocess is used to teach electrical engineering, mechanics, computer science and biological processes, creating a new job profile: the biomechatronics technician.
In addition to individual components, Festo also offers customised system solutions for bioreactors. Certain components were selected for the development of customised automation solutions, for example in the form of complete control cabinets. Customised software can also be created, from the control system to the cloud. The seamless integration of the systems and the ability to analyse data in real time enable efficient and transparent process control.
In addition to the development of new job profiles, Festo has designed a modular training concept for prospective biomechatronics engineers that can be used to impart knowledge, especially technical fundamentals. The system consists of training software and various training hardware components housed in a modular carrier system.