Festo VTEM Changes World of Pneumatic Motion Control

Automation • News

Festo VTEM Changes World of Pneumatic Motion Control

Jane Alexander | September 25, 2017

According to Festo (Hauppauge, NY), its new VTEM motion terminal is the world’s first-ever cyber-physical pneumatic-motion-control system.

Introduced Sept. 25, 2017, at Pack Expo in Las Vegas, the technology conforms to the National Science Foundation’s definition of a cyber-physical system (CPS)*. Featuring digital valves that change functionality based on various combinations of downloadable motion apps, it offers a number of benefits, including, among others, higher machine utilization; improved energy efficiency; increased flexibility; and fewer components to purchase, install, and maintain.

Festo has noted that the VTEM’s modular and reconfigurable platform meets two important criteria for Industry 4.0 and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)-based systems. The platform was designed for environments that gain a competitive advantage through manufacture of short-lifecycle products; efficient production of SKUs; and small-lot-size production.

Components of the VTEM motion terminal include digitally controlled flexible valves, an integrated processor, Ethernet communications, electrical inputs for fast control of specific analog and digital applications, and integrated pressure and temperature sensors for data analysis.

In development for three years, Festo’s VTEM motion terminal will be sold in either four-valve or eight-valve platforms. Product shipments begin Dec. 2017.

For more information on Festo and its full line of automation-technology offerings, CLICK HERE.

* As defined by the National Science Foundation, a cyber-physical system (CPS) is built from and depends upon on the seamless integration of computational algorithms and physical components.