Festo's Bionic Learning Network is once again providing new impetus for the automation technology of tomorrow at the 2014 Hannover Messe. With the "BionicKangaroo", the "DualWingGenerator", the "MultiChoiceGripper" and the "eMotionSpheres" flying objects, Festo is showing how principles from nature can inspire unique solutions for the future of automation technology.

It all began 100 years ago in a workshop in Esslingen am Neckar. Festo founder Gottlieb Stoll asked himself how technology could make work easier. From the initial production of machines for woodworking, the company developed into the production of pneumatic and electrical automation technology for mechanical engineering in a wide range of industries. Today, Festo is one of the world's leading automation specialists.

From digital twins to efficient circuit diagrams, from design tools to maximum energy savings – Festo supports its customers holistically and in every phase of their value creation process. This extends to the circular economy and the product carbon footprint, but also to lifelong learning with digital training tools for both trainees and long-term employees.

"No matter what movement task customers approach Festo with, we can solve it. We are the only supplier to combine electrical and pneumatic automation technology that fits together seamlessly," explains Gerhard Borho, Member of the Executive Board for IT and Digitalization at Festo. In doing so, he emphasizes the core of the "Seamless Automation" approach at Festo. Seamless – this applies to Festo from a technological point of view, but also across all phases of the customer's value creation process.