Festo in SmartFactory

In the SmartFactory project Festo has worked on the realisation of 3 production modules:

1. The storage module;
2. The insertion module;
3. The screw module. 

In all modules of the SmartFactory project we use Festo's revolutionairy digitised pneumatic "smart"-concept called "Festo Motion Terminal". 

With the Festo motion terminal(s) in the storage module, in the insertion module & in the screw module, Festo provides for controlled movement and lifting of workstations throughout the production line. Regardless of the weight of the workstations to be handled (in function of the number and type of parts), the pneumatic movement during the transfer of the workstations is smooth & controlled. This continuity throughout the production line can be realised by flexibly and digitally customising the pneumatic parameters in function of the workstations and the product sets to be processed.    

In the insertion module, we also use the motion terminal to insert the PCB unit into the housing with the aid of pneumatic force control and linear position feedback of the insertion cylinders. During this assembly process, we can guarantee quality and flexibly change parameters according to the product type.  

The actuators connected to the motion terminal switch their function flexibly during the course of the production process. The "motion terminal" is a smart product in which different pneumatic functions can be varied with apps in one hardware platform. 

In the Storage module of the SmartFactory we also used a servo-electrically driven XYZ-handling unit (EXCH-40 parallel robot concept) which places the various assembly parts in workstations and picks up the finished products from workstations to store them in a warehouse.   

The engineering process of this handling unit is fully digitally configured via our web configurator HGO (handling guide online). Digitally generated configuration files for this kinematics were also used for commissioning.