Festo adds the first edge device
Festo has added the first edge device to its range of AX Controllers. CEPE is a high-performance industrial PC and control unit designed for industrial motion and IoT applications. It uses the Festo AX operating system (OS), which is based on PLCnext Technology and offers an open ecosystem for modular automation and easy programming.
CEPE is designed to control and automate assembly lines and machines, as well as production processes. Highly configurable, CEPE enables the programming and monitoring of production processes, including motion applications such as pick & place, palletising and servo presses. It can also support machine visualisation and IOT data acquisition and analysis.
Ben Lloyd, Festo’s Product Manager - Electrical Automation, says: “End users and machine builders are under constant pressure to meet new production demands and shorten development cycles. Automation provides the answer, but it involves integrating multiple functions, such as control and motion, AI, data integration and evaluation, and predictive maintenance into applications simultaneously. The addition of CEPE to the Festo AX platform makes this process easier than ever.”
Festo AX Controls combines many software modules, such as operating system, motion, visualisation, high-level languages and low code development tools through to commissioning software with a scalable hardware platform. The AX suite consists of the Festo AX OS, Festo AX Motion control software, Festo AX Machine Visualisation software and now the CEPE edge controller.
Easy integration
CEPE combines high processing power with a wide range of interfaces and software functions. It can gather and analyse local data, program its own applications and install third-party applications via various app stores. Thanks to its Linux-based operating system, users are also free to develop their own applications using familiar platforms like C++, C#, Python or the IEC61131 family.
Equipped as standard with an Intel i3 processor and a wide range of communication interfaces such as Profinet, Ethernet/IP and EtherCAT or Festo's own AP network, the CEPE edge controller can be optimally connected to different control architectures. Festo's entire electrical and pneumatic portfolio can be seamlessly integrated using this device, so customers can always use the right technology for their application. OPC UA is included for secure, cross-platform and interoperable data exchange in industrial automation and control systems. Combining industry-proven hardware with open control architecture, the CEPE offers many development options for different software applications.
Wider benefits of Festo AX
Festo AX OS is based on PLCnext technology from Phoenix Contact. Developed specifically for industrial environments, it enables real-time applications, programming with modern programming languages and seamless cloud connectivity. The containerised runtime environment enables an open and modular software architecture and the integration of modern AI-based software, as well as robust cybersecurity. This creates the basis for accessing, evaluating, archiving and reusing valuable process data.
Festo AX Controls amplifies these benefits, enabling users to develop individual solutions and seamlessly integrate existing systems to meet the requirements of various industrial applications. Development cycle efficiency can also be increased through the use of open source software and apps, with no limits to future extensions.
Festo already provides a wide selection of apps, including CODESYS, Multi-axis motion, Python, Node-RED and the proprietary Festo AX Industrial Intelligence, a powerful AI predictive maintenance tool. All these software apps and licences will be available via the Festo online catalogue or for purchase via the growing PLCnext Store in future.
Concludes Ben Lloyd: “The combination of Festo and PLCnext technology is focused on a common goal: helping our customers to meet the challenges arising from the convergence of IT and OT through open automation solutions.”
For more information on Festo AX controls visit www.festo.com/ax-controls
About Festo
Festo is a leading international supplier of automation technology with a turnover in 2024 of around €3.45 billion. Festo employs over 20,000 people worldwide and is a proven innovator and problem solver in pneumatic and electrical automation, where it is the performance leader. Festo offers around 36,000 pneumatic and electric products in hundreds of thousands of variants for factory and process automation technology, many of which can be tailored to specific customer needs. Sustainability, reducing its CO2 footprint, digital learning, innovation, performance and speed are the key drivers for the company's future. Festo GB operates as a carbon neutral organisation and uses the PAS 2060 standard externally audited by NQA to validate this claim to customers, employees and other stakeholders.
Festo Industrial Automation's innovative strength is demonstrated through the launch of around 100 new products every year. The company invests over 8.5% of its turnover in R&D, resulting in over 2,600 patents held worldwide. For more information about the company's products and UK / Irish services, please visit: www.festo.com/gb and www.festo.com/ie
Festo and Industry 4.0 - Festo has engaged with the Industry 4.0 initiative from its inception: as a user, manufacturer and trainer. As a member of the steering group, the company has taken an active role in defining the core standards such as the RAMI model and the Administration Shell. Festo Didactic has installed Industry 4.0 Cyber-Physical Factory training hardware systems in many leading universities and training centres. It also provides Industry 4.0 training courses for change managers and practical workshops for employees. Industry 4.0 technologies such as OPC-UA communications are embedded in the latest generation products. For more information, go to www.festo.com/digitalisation
Festo Didactic training delivers training for industry – by industry. Combining Festo's industrial heritage with its future-focused manufacturing and engineering expertise to deliver courses for greater productivity and competitiveness. Offering a wide range of open courses, structured development programmes and tailor-made, customer-specific projects on technology and Industry 4.0 and the industry-leading online training suite, Festo LX. Festo also provides state-of-the-art training equipment solutions for industrial companies and educational institutions around the world. Festo Didactic has around 56,000 education customers worldwide. More information on Festo training and consulting services can be found at: www.festo.com/didactic
Festo Bionic Learning Network encapsulates the innovative nature of Festo, raising awareness and attracting talent to the company. Exploring the links between nature and technology opens new areas of innovation and demonstrates complex ideas in a stimulating and enjoyable way. Festo works with an alliance of internal R&D, external educational establishments and specialist companies to advance bionic solutions for automation applications of the future. The objective is to benefit from bionics as a source of inspiration and to realise these in industrial automation. For more information about Festo's Bionic Learning Network, please visit: www.festo.com/bionics
