Festo
Festo said that its Simplified Motion Series (SMS) of electric actuators deliver the simplicity traditionally associated with pneumatic motion into electric automation applications at a similar price to pneumatics. These actuators will be part of the company's exhibit at Automate 2026 in Chicago.
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Festo
Festo said that its Simplified Motion Series (SMS) of electric actuators deliver the simplicity traditionally associated with pneumatic motion into electric automation applications at a similar price to pneumatics. These actuators will be part of the company's exhibit at Automate 2026 in Chicago.
At Automate 2026 in Chicago, Festo will showcase initiatives and technologies focused on solving deployment and integration challenges related to how automation projects are placing greater demands on OEMs and system integrators, as machines incorporate more devices, networks and flexible production requirements.
The company said that Automate attendees will see booth exhibits that include motion control, handling systems, connectivity, engineering tools, and workforce development technologies that improve startup visibility, reduce integration effort and help manufacturers adapt more quickly to changing production requirements.
At the robot end of arm tool (EOAT), excess weight slows motion, continuous vacuum wastes compressed air, and undetected grip loss leads to dropped parts and unplanned downtime. Festo said that many pneumatic systems at the end-of-arm still fall short on all three functions.
The company said that its VTUX valve terminal addresses these issues. The VTUX is a modular valve terminal that Festo said integrates pneumatic control, vacuum generation and I/O into a single platform mounted at the point of actuation. New eco functions and a multiprotocol interface extend that platform with lower air consumption, improved grip visibility and simpler integration.
On the vacuum side, VTUX uses threshold-based control to generate vacuum only when needed. Instead of continuous air consumption, Festo said that the system maintains vacuum within defined limits and only consumes air when levels fall outside those limits, which reduces compressed air use by up to 20-30% while maintaining a stable grip.
On the pressure side, Festo said that eco functions reduce air consumption to actuators by dynamically adjusting pressure to match the load and motion profile. After a short learning phase, the company said that the system determines the minimum pressure required to complete the motion and eliminates excess air use. Festo said that eco functionality delivers up to 40% reduction in compressed air consumption while maintaining the required actuator performance.
The company said that the sensors and processing built into the VTUX provide pressure and vacuum data at the point of use. Functional integration gives OEMs simpler specifications and reduced assembly.
Festo said that the VTUX is designed for decentralized installation and can be mounted directly on moving elements or positioned anywhere on the machine. Additionally, the company said that its lightweight polymer construction reduces moving mass, while its modular architecture allows systems to be configured and expanded as requirements change.
As machine architecture becomes more distributed, Festo said that OEMs increasingly need cost-effective ways to add valves, diagnostics and sensor connectivity without redesigning existing control systems or maintaining multiple communication configurations across global platforms.
The company said that its new CTED module addresses these challenges and provides a decentralized, low-cost “third option” for expanding VTUX valve terminal networks. Festo said that this allows OEMs to add valves without re-engineering the host architecture.
CTED modules are configurable to major fieldbus protocols, including:
Festo said that the CTED multiprotocol capability eliminates the need to stock various communication modules or valve terminals for different control architectures. The company said that it simplifies specification and inventory management across different control architectures and global markets.
CTED utilizes a serial interface rather than a parallel bridge. This shift allows VTUX valve terminals to deliver diagnostic data and sensor feedback directly through the terminal. Because sensor feedback travels directly through the serial link, the system provides expanded diagnostic data for machine operation and maintenance.
Automation projects are placing greater demands on OEMs and system integrators as machines incorporate more devices, networks, and flexible production requirements. Startup schedules continue to shrink while engineering teams are expected to reduce troubleshooting, simplify interoperability, and keep projects moving despite limited technical resources.
Festo said that it will showcase adaptive gripping and vacuum technologies that improve handling reliability while simplifying end-of-arm integration at Automate 2026.
Additionally, Festo said that it will demonstrate how its engineering tools compress these workflows from hours into minutes. Engineers can configure multi-axis handling systems, size electric and pneumatic motion components, access CAD models, validate compatible accessories, generate quotations, and streamline ordering within a connected engineering environment.
Technologies on display include:
The company said that the HPSX is a hygienic soft gripper. It uses food-safe silicone fingers to handle delicate and irregularly shaped products without requiring tool changes, making it well-suited for food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications.
As manufacturers continue shifting toward electric automation, Festo said that many machine builders are looking for electric motion systems that are easier to commission, less complex to deploy and more cost-effective.
Festo said that its Simplified Motion Series (SMS) of electric actuators was developed to bring the simplicity traditionally associated with pneumatic motion into electric automation applications. SMS combines motor and drive into a single integrated motion package commissioned directly on the device without specialized software.
Available configurations include:
The company said that its SMS actuators support digital I/O and IO-Link connectivity, enabling remote parameterization, backup functions and process monitoring while reducing commissioning effort and engineering overhead.
The company will also highlight Festo Didactic, which supports workforce development through hands-on mechatronics and industrial automation training tailored to the needs of manufacturers, OEMs and technical education programs.
Demonstrations at the booth include the MPS 400 learning system, a modular Industry 4.0 learning factory that provides experiential training in automation technology, intelligent machine networking, IO-Link connectivity and modern mechatronics workflows used throughout advanced manufacturing environments.
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