Festo Presents Seamless Automation at Hannover Messe 2026: Unifying Electrics, Pneumatics and AI in One Open Architecture

Festo is presenting its Seamless Automation approach for integrated motion and control systems at Hannover Messe 2026 (April 20-24) in Hanover, Germany, at Hall 13, Stand C17. The concept brings together electric drives, pneumatic actuators, sensors, software and AI-based functions within a unified industrial automation architecture.

Electrics, Pneumatics and Software in One Architecture

Industrial production lines often combine multiple motion technologies, including electric drives, pneumatic actuators, sensors, and control systems. Integrating these technologies typically requires coordination across hardware platforms, communication protocols, and engineering tools. Festo’s Seamless Automation concept brings these components together within a unified architecture that integrates electric and pneumatic motion systems with software and AI-based functions.

The system architecture connects components across different technologies and suppliers, allowing information to move continuously from individual devices to higher-level control systems. This architecture relies on open connectivity, allowing components from Festo and third-party suppliers to exchange operational data within the same automation environment.

Open Architecture for Consistent Data Exchange

A key element is an open system architecture designed to maintain consistent communication across automation components. Standardized communication protocols and compatible system structures allow devices, data sources, and hardware modules to interact within the same framework. This interoperability is supported through several technical principles: standardized protocols across multiple technologies, a modular system structure, consistent system design rules, and a common architecture used across different modules.

Within this structure, operational data generated at the device level — such as actuator status, sensor signals, or process parameters — can be transmitted directly to higher-level control platforms, supporting system monitoring, process control, and diagnostics.

Digital Lifecycle Support from Design to Maintenance

The automation environment is complemented by the Seamless Digital Experience, which connects engineering and operational phases across the lifecycle of an automation project. The framework supports workflows from system design and configuration through commissioning, operation, and maintenance. Digital tools enable product selection, system configuration, and programming within the same environment. By maintaining consistent data across these stages, engineering teams can reduce the need for repeated configuration steps or manual data transfer between systems.

Designed for Complex Motion Applications

The concept addresses industrial motion applications that require coordination between electric drives, pneumatic components, sensors, and control platforms — common in packaging machinery, assembly systems, material handling equipment, and other automated production lines. Through open connectivity and standardized system architecture, components can recognize each other and interact automatically within machines and production systems.

Visit Festo at www.festo.com for complete Seamless Automation details.