The Festo Motion Terminal VTEM brings pneumatics into the age of Industry 4.0 - with apps that make it possible to replace over 50 individual components. The new type of function integration - combined with software apps - simplifies the value chain, as only one piece of hardware is required.

By quickly adding new functions via apps, machine developers can now create a basic machine type and, depending on the selection of apps, equip this machine with different functions and features according to customer requirements. Assigning functions via software has even more advantages: Tamper-proofing and know-how protection, as it is impossible to tell from the outside which functions the valves perform. Maintenance is also simplified, as long lists of spare and wear parts become obsolete.

Piezo technology, integrated stroke and pressure sensors, coupled with control via so-called motion apps, open up new perspectives for machine and plant manufacturers. Thanks to the fusion of mechanics, electronics and software realized in the Motion Terminal, a pneumatic product becomes a genuine Industry 4.0 component and enables flexible production. Changing pneumatic functions and adapting to new formats are controlled by changing parameters via apps. The integrated intelligent sensor technology for control, diagnostics and self-learning tasks eliminates the need for additional components.

Functions that previously required several components in the pneumatic control loop are now performed by motion apps - from simple changes to directional control valve functions to energy-efficient movements, from proportional behavior to leakage diagnostics. Further apps are in preparation.

Special apps and the diagnostic function for application leakage ensure energy savings in application mode. The energy-saving piezo technology for the proportional valve pre-stage also plays its part. With the "Selectable pressure level" and "Eco mode" apps, air consumption can be flexibly adapted to requirements. Thanks to the selectable pressure level, a digitally selected pressure can limit the pneumatic force to the level required for the application. Eco travel reduces the compressed air consumption to the required minimum level if no pressing and holding forces are required in the end position.

The Festo Motion Terminal enables fast and powerful movement as well as leakage testing at significantly lower costs compared to current solutions. For example, fewer controllers are required compared to electrical solutions, as one controller can control up to eight movements with the VTEM. Power consumption is also reduced and the installation space required is reduced by up to 65 percent.

In a technology comparison, solutions with the Festo Motion Terminal become cost-effective alternatives. Instead of a valve, a pressure regulator and a pressure sensor, i.e. three components, only a single technology, a valve, is required.