The development of drugs is lengthy, complex and expensive. Approaches from organ-on-a-chip research promise to shorten the time to approval of new active ingredients. Together with experts from TU Darmstadt, Festo has developed an exhibit that demonstrates the automated production of such mini-organs: A bioprinter applies human cell material to a microfluidic chip, on which organ-like tissue then grows. Festo is combining two future technologies for the first time: SupraMotion and Diffusion Bonded Manifolds.

At NextGen Life Science Automation, Festo is researching new solutions for medical technology and laboratory automation. At Hannover Messe 2026, Festo and Fraunhofer IPA will be demonstrating the construction of a cassette for the process step of modifying cells in CAR-T cell therapy. Automation significantly reduces production times and costs, making customised cancer therapies faster, cheaper and available to more patients.

For more than 15 years, the Bionic Learning Network has been focusing on the fascination of flying. In addition to the technical decoding of bird flight, the team has researched and technologically implemented numerous other flying objects and their natural principles. With the BionicBee, the Bionic Learning Network has now for the first time developed a flying object that can fly in large numbers and completely autonomously in a swarm. The BionicBee will present its first flight show at the Hannover Messe 2024.

Festo presented a unique concept for the simple storage and safe transportation of hydrogen using bacteria with its “BionicHydrogenBattery” exhibit in 2024. The company also demonstrated how industrial bioprocesses can be operated efficiently in the long-term using a wide range of components and solutions from the Festo product portfolio. Festo is also committed to biologization as a field of learning: with modular learning systems, an additional Chamber of Commerce qualification and the development of a “Biomechatronics” degree course.