Innovation in stepper motor technology means the gap between stepper and servo technology is narrowing. In applications where the performance of a servo motor is not required because there are no highly dynamic loads or high speed demands, the stepper (with its choice of battery-less encoders and motor brakes) offers closed loop positioning.

Electric automation can deliver enhanced efficiency, consistency and precision over traditional pneumatics in many industrial automation applications. However, simple oversights during design and specification can cause serious problems, turning your electric automation dream into the ‘axis of all evil’, according to industrial automation specialist Festo.

I semi sono il nuovo oro. Perché? Gli alimenti di origine vegetale possono nutrire una popolazione mondiale in continua crescita. Tuttavia, il cambiamento climatico, le infestazioni e le malattie minacciano l'agricoltura. Per supportare lo sviluppo di semi resistenti e renderli disponibili all'agricoltura, i selezionatori di piante hanno bisogno di enormi quantità di DNA. Proprio per questo motivo, Synchron Lab ha sviluppato la "fabbrica di DNA", automatizzata con sistemi di movimentazione, assi elettrici, pinze pneumatiche e sensori Festo.

Mondelez has chosen Festo electric drive technology for a new automated chocolate Easter egg mixing installation at its site in Herentals, Belgium. The egg mixing line uses an ingenious system of conveyors to ensure that everyone finds a nice mix of flavours in their pack of chocolate eggs at Easter. Electric drives were chosen over pneumatics because they offer lower energy consumption, higher safety and more flexibility in controlling speeds and positions.