Festo Addresses Automation Integration Challenges at Automate 2026
ISLANDIA, New York, June 17, 2026 — Automation projects are placing greater demands on OEMs and system integrators as machines incorporate more devices, networks, and flexible production requirements. Startup schedules continue to shrink while engineering teams are expected to reduce troubleshooting, simplify interoperability, and keep projects moving despite limited technical resources.
At Automate 2026, Festo showcases initiatives and technologies focused on solving these deployment and integration challenges. Exhibits include motion control, handling systems, connectivity, engineering tools, and workforce development technologies that improve startup visibility, reduce integration effort, and help manufacturers adapt more quickly to changing production requirements. Automate 2026, June 22–25, McCormick Place, Chicago. Festo Booth #831.
VTUX terminal and CTED interface
Given the twin pressures of reducing cabinet complexity while distributing I/O closer to the application, Festo showcases the latest functional additions to its next-generation VTUX valve terminal platform.
The IP67-rated VTUX integrates pneumatic control, vacuum generation, and I/O into a lightweight modular platform mounted directly near the application. The platform reduces tubing runs, cabinet space, installation effort, and the number of separate automation components required on the machine. Integrated vacuum monitoring also improves troubleshooting visibility while helping reduce compressed air consumption. The compact, lightweight VTUX is ideal for end-of-arm tooling
Festo introduces the new CTED multi-protocol interface for VTUX, allowing direct connection to Industrial Ethernet networks, including EtherNet/IP, EtherCAT, Modbus TCP, PROFIBUS, and CC-Link. The CTED module simplifies machine integration across multiple control environments and eliminates the need to design automation architectures around a single network standard.
HPSX adaptive gripper
End-of-arm gripping systems play a critical role in robotic performance, particularly in high-mix production environments where manufacturers need greater flexibility and faster changeovers.
Festo showcases adaptive gripping and vacuum technologies that improve handling reliability while simplifying end-of-arm integration. Technologies on display include vacuum generators, suction cups, and the new HPSX adaptive gripper for both traditional and collaborative automation environments. The HPSX is a hygienic soft gripper. It uses food-safe silicone fingers to handle delicate and irregularly shaped products without requiring tool changes, making it well-suited for food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic applications.
Simplified Motion Series of electric actuators
As manufacturers continue shifting toward electric automation, many machine builders are looking for electric motion systems that are easier to commission, less complex to deploy, and more cost-effective.
Festo’s Simplified Motion Series (SMS) of electric actuators was developed to bring the simplicity traditionally associated with pneumatic motion into electric automation applications. SMS combines motor and drive into a single integrated motion package commissioned directly on the device without specialized software.
Available configurations include toothed belt axes, spindle axes, mini slides, electric cylinders, and rotary drives. SMS actuators support digital I/O and IO-Link connectivity, enabling remote parameterization, backup functions, and process monitoring while reducing commissioning effort and engineering overhead.
Festo Engineering Tools
Engineering time is often lost long before a machine is commissioned as designers work through component sizing, compatibility verification, accessory selection, documentation, and ordering across multiple systems.
At Automate 2026, Festo demonstrates engineering tools that compress these workflows from hours into minutes. Engineers can configure multi-axis handling systems, size electric and pneumatic motion components, access CAD models, validate compatible accessories, generate quotations, and streamline ordering within a connected engineering environment.
Festo engineering tools also help reduce deployment risk by ensuring selected components and accessories are interoperable before systems are built or commissioned while preserving project configurations for future modification, expansion, or reorder.
Festo Didactic learning systems
Modern automation systems also depend on technicians capable of supporting increasingly sophisticated equipment in the field.
Festo Didactic supports workforce development through hands-on mechatronics and industrial automation training tailored to the needs of manufacturers, OEMs, and technical education programs. Demonstrations at the booth include the MPS 400 learning system, a modular Industry 4.0 learning factory that provides experiential training in automation technology, intelligent machine networking, IO-Link connectivity, and modern mechatronics workflows used throughout advanced manufacturing environments.
Education Sessions
Beyond the booth, Festo personnel will participate in several educational sessions during Automate 2026 that focus on motion control selection, workforce development, robotic safety, and responsible AI in automation.
Ted Rozier moderates a panel discussion: Robotic Safety, Risk Assessment and Responsible AI in Education and Training on Tuesday, June 23, 11:15 AM - 12:00 PM, Room N427abc North Hall.
Frank Langro presents Choosing the Best Fit Motion Control Components and Systems on Wednesday, June 24, 2026 - 1:30 PM, Room S404bc.
Carlos Alfaro Flores participates in the panel discussion Breaking In, Standing Out, and Shaping the Future of Automation on Wednesday, June 24, 3 PM, NextGen Theatre.
Engineers, OEMs, integrators, educators, and manufacturers attending Automate 2026 should make a point of meeting with Festo applications specialists at Booth #831 to discuss their current automation projects involving motion control, handling, connectivity, engineering support, and workforce development.
