Motion Control & Drives


Festo’s customised automation solutions

January 2026 Motion Control & Drives

Festo has been setting trends in automation for the past 100 years. From smart pneumatics to advanced process automation, Festo offers precision-engineered technologies that enable industries to operate more efficiently, reliably and fast. But what truly sets Festo apart is more than just technology. It’s their commitment to partnership. Festo works closely with its customers to understand their processes, challenges and goals. Their customer solutions team is made up of design and engineering experts to help customers turn their automation ideas into automation solutions.

From conception to commissioning, Festo will take care of it

Festo manages the entire custom design process from concept to final commissioning, saving customers time and money while allowing them to focus on their core expertise. The process begins with expert consultation and design by industry experts, followed by detailed concepts, quotations and engineering calculations supported by 2D and 3D CAD drawings. Festo streamlines procurement and logistics, delivering a complete, ready-to-install system with a single part number while also handling programming and thorough testing of the solutions. The production phase encompasses mechanical and electrical builds, rigorous validation and comprehensive documentation, ensuring a smooth delivery and commissioning process with on-site support as needed.

A transition from the traditional process valve arrangements to the custom VTOP valve control terminal

The Festo VTOP pneumatic module represents a revolution in process valve automation, offering a modern alternative to traditional process valve panels. While traditional installations utilise a familiar architecture and provide flexibility in vendor selection, they come with notable drawbacks, including long assembly times, complex multi-vendor procurement, manual piping that increases the risk of leaks, and larger space requirements. Maintenance and troubleshooting can also be time consuming and complicated due to the number of discrete components involved.

Festo has reimagined this setup with the VTOP pneumatic system, a pre-assembled, modular valve terminal that dramatically simplifies installation, reduces leak paths and saves valuable panel space. It arrives ready to mount, with integrated piping and electrical connections, eliminating much of the manual work and risk associated with traditional installations. The compact design not only saves space, but also reduces commissioning time and minimises downtime. Festo has taken a time-tested system and brought it into the future, replacing manual, high-maintenance assemblies with a plug-and-play solution that embodies efficiency, intelligence and performance.


Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Solving common automation challenges with Festo’s servo drive and servo motor solutions
Festo South Africa Motion Control & Drives
Automation projects face challenges that include limited installation space, the need for precise and repeatable linear motion, rising cycle-speed demands, and seamless integration with existing control architectures. Festo’s servo portfolio directly addresses these issues with compact, modular drive and motor solutions designed for specific applications.

Read more...
Inside the Giant Magellan Telescope with mechanical engineering at astronomical scale
Motion Control & Drives
Construction of the Giant Magellan Telescope, set to become the world’s largest Gregorian optical infrared telescope, is well underway. While its scientific mission is to transform astronomy, its performance depends heavily on advanced mechanical, hydraulic and pneumatic engineering.

Read more...
Filtration as a reliability driver in motion control systems
Parker Hannifin - Sales Company South Africa Motion Control & Drives
This article highlights the importance of filtration in motion control systems, how contamination affects performance, and what fleet managers, operators and maintenance teams in southern Africa can do to reduce downtime, avoidable wear and costly repairs, aided by Baldwin Filters.

Read more...
Supporting construction of next-gen floating offshore wind turbines
Motion Control & Drives
While windy locations naturally make ideal spots for offshore wind farms, they bring challenges when it comes to assembling wind turbines, particularly in ports. Mammoet was approached by Euroports to support with the marshalling and assembly of the components that make up the three turbines at Port-la-Nouvelle in France.

Read more...
Rollers excel where profits balance on a knife edge
igus Motion Control & Drives
Polymer component specialist manufacturer, igus has developed a range of lubrication-free long-life knife edge rollers designed to improve the transfer of products between conveyor belts in high-speed production environments.

Read more...
Bringing physical AI to the factory floor by deploying humanoids in industrial operations
Siemens South Africa Motion Control & Drives
Siemens and Humanoid have marked a landmark milestone in the journey to bring physical AI from vision to industrial reality. Humanoid’s humanoid robothas been successfully tested in operations at Siemens’ electronics factory in Germany, performing autonomous logistics tasks.

Read more...
Next-generation oil-free motor systems with active magnetic bearings
WEG Africa Motion Control & Drives
WEG and SpinDrive are collaborating to integrate SpinDrive’s AMBs and built-in IoT condition monitoring into WEG’s market-leading electric motor offering, creating an oil-free, maintenance-free drive solution.

Read more...
Rising demand for advanced coolant technology
Motion Control & Drives
As modern engines become smaller, more powerful and increasingly complex, coolant technology has undergone a fundamental transformation.

Read more...
Addressing cost, supply and disease pressures in Africa’s feed industry
Motion Control & Drives
Feed producers across Africa are operating in an increasingly complex and volatile environment. The pressures are forcing producers to rethink how they operate, balancing cost control, production efficiency and the need for greater flexibility in an unpredictable market.

Read more...
Rapid headframe replacement for Canada’s biggest potash mine
Motion Control & Drives
Mammoet has supported Ledcor with the construction of BHP’s new Jansen potash mine.

Read more...









While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved