Festo is at the forefront of developments in Industry 4.0 and the company recently held an exclusive business seminar that gave insight into the factory of the future, and highlighted the myriad of business opportunities presented by this industrial revolution. Eberhard Klotz, head of Festo’s Industry 4.0 campaign, explained how it will affect every industry and outlined the strategic options available to companies.
From l: Eberhard Klotz, Festo’s head of Industry 4.0 worldwide; Russell Schwultz, business development manager; Nico Landman, Didactic manager.
Festo has invested heavily in Industry 4.0 and has adopted an holistic approach, with Industry 4.0 products already available. The company’s portfolio covers automation, the Bionic Learning Network and Festo Didactic training, which aims to address the skills needs that will arise as a result of this new philosophy. Klotz explained that mechatronic systems are turning into cyber-physical systems, with the integration of local intelligence and communication capabilities into a machine cell in order to add value.
Festo has also implemented Industry 4.0 in its own production facilities, an example being the Scharnhausen Technology Plant, where the company manufactures valves, valve terminals and electronics. Many aspects of Industry 4.0 are already a reality, resulting in major energy savings and production efficiency for the factory.
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