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.

Festo introduces Controlled Pneumatics, a digital closed-loop control strategy for delivering energy efficiency, high dynamic response, and precision movement. Controlled Pneumatics is an ideal solution for web tensioning; welding; surface processing; flexible gripping, including vacuum gripping; dispensing and pumping; PET bottle blowing; and diaphragm pump control.

Research conducted by Festo finds a new generation of its low-energy flow-control valves utilized by Front Opening Unified Pods (FOUPs) purge systems can reduce Nitrogen gas (N2)  consumption by as much as 75%. A new Festo white paper details how these piezo-based flow-control systems help semiconductor fabrication plants (Fabs) reduce their carbon footprint and lower energy costs.

Festo has expanded the capabilities of its popular VEMD mass flow controller to maintain the unit’s cost competitiveness while improving connectivity, control dynamics, and flow range. The VEMD controller is applied in the medical laboratory, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, chemical, and food industries to automate the flow control of Oxygen, Nitrogen, Argon, CO2, and air. It is also used in 3D printing applications where inert gas protects printed material during deposition.