Extended and intricate engineering, coding, and commissioning stages hinder numerous businesses. Festo introduces the Festo AX Controls, a real-time automation platform that effectively resolves this problem. It merges control, movement, AI, data integration, and predictive maintenance into a versatile, scalable solution—ideally suited to the needs of contemporary industry.
Festo AX Controls includes a diverse array of software modules: the open OS, control applications, visualization tools, high-level programming languages, low-code solutions, and commissioning software. The hardware varies from traditional motion controllers and modular controllers to the cutting-edge CEPE edge controller. This leads to customized answers for various industrial issues
Flexible CEPE edge controller
The CEPE edge controller plays a key role here. As the first Festo product with an integrated operating system, the controller is extremely flexible thanks to its open architecture. Software apps can be added both together with the hardware and later separately – for even more adaptability. For demanding applications, the real-time-based platform offers high computing power and controls a large number of synchronized motors and drives in production lines. Festo’s complete electric and pneumatic portfolio can be seamlessly integrated – for an open automation architecture with a wide range of applications.
PLCnext Technology as the basis
Festo AX Controls uses PLCnext Technology from Phoenix Contact as its operating system. This platform enables real-time applications, modern programming languages and a seamless cloud connection. The containerized runtime environment ensures a modular software architecture in which AI-based applications also find their place. Festo’s partnership with Phoenix Contact and its PLCnext Technology significantly accelerates innovation cycles and bundles comprehensive expertise to master the challenges of digital transformation and cybersecurity.
Software as a driver of innovation
“Software offers enormous potential for innovation, both for us as an automation manufacturer and for our customers in mechanical and plant engineering,” explains Dr. Wolfgang Sperling, Head of the Electric Automation business unit at Festo. “Festo AX Controls enables faster and simpler integration of different automation components as well as accelerated commissioning and programming of machines and systems. The open architecture of PLCnext Technology is exactly the right basis for such innovations,” explains Dr. Sperling in Festo’s anniversary year, in which the company is celebrating 100 years of success in automation technology.