Festo AX Controls real‍-‍time automation platform

Festo has introduced Festo AX Controls, a real-time automation platform that aims to speed up the engineering, programming and commissioning of automation projects. It combines control, motion, AI, data integration and predictive maintenance in a single scalable solution.

The platform comprises a range of software modules: the open operating system, control software, visualisation tools, high-level languages and low-code options through to commissioning software. The hardware ranges from motion controllers and modular controllers to the Festo CEPE edge controller. This makes it possible to create tailor-made solutions for a wide range of industrial applications.

The CEPE edge controller, as the first Festo product with an integrated operating system, is designed to be highly flexible due to its open architecture. Software apps can be added both together with the hardware and later separately. For demanding applications, the real-time-based platform is said to offer high computing power and can control a large number of synchronised motors and drives in production lines. Festo’s complete electric and pneumatic range can be integrated for an open automation architecture with a wide range of applications.

Festo AX Controls uses PLCnext Technology from Phoenix Contact as its operating system. This platform enables real-time applications, modern programming languages and a seamless cloud connection. The containerised runtime environment provides a modular software architecture in which AI-based applications can also be included.