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.

The innovation partnership between Festo and Würth has already lasted two years, and the first phase of the partnership is now coming to an end – with success: the prototype works. Würth wants to comprehensively test Festo's tailor-made AI software solution at the Reinhold Würth Innovation Center Curio, discuss it with employees and, if everything proves successful, implement it in its logistics centers worldwide.

Machine builders no longer need to choose between a stepper or servo drive, thanks to the CMMT-ST from Festo. This new extra low voltage servo drive is capable of open or closed loop positioning, which effectively bridges the gap between stepper and servo drives. This means the user can tailor the CMMT-ST to suit the needs of the application and reap the benefits of both control formats.

If there’s one thing the corona pandemic has taught us, it is that laboratories place tremendous importance on high sample throughput rates. Even with highly qualified laboratory personnel, this demand can no longer be met. There’s no getting round the automation of laboratory processes. That’s why MolGen in the Netherlands developed PurePrep TTR, which can prepare 320 patient samples per hour for molecular downstream processing. And the Dutch company uses laboratory-specific automation technology from Festo.