Festo’s Integration of PLCnext Technology: Enhancing Industrial Automation with Open Innovation

Festo has announced its plan to utilize PLCnext Technology, an open ecosystem for modern automation from Phoenix Contact, in upcoming intelligent devices. By leveraging the strengths of both companies, they aim to elevate industrial automation to a new level with a new product generation set to launch by the end of the year. The integration of PLCnext Technology will provide Festo and its customers with a multitude of opportunities.

PLCnext Technology is built on an open architecture that enables the development of individual solutions and seamless integration of existing systems. This will allow Festo to deliver tailored automation solutions to meet specific customer requirements. The collaboration between Festo and Phoenix Contact is geared towards addressing the challenges posed by the convergence of Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT) through the deployment of open automation solutions. This partnership promises innovative Industry 4.0 solutions, harnessing Festo’s automation expertise and PLCnext Technology.

At Hannover Messe, Frank Stührenberg, CEO at Phoenix Contact, emphasized the importance of partnerships and cooperation within the realm of open technology platforms in a rapidly evolving world. He highlighted the need for continual collaboration to drive sustainable innovation for customers. Gerhard Borho, Chief Information Technology and Digitalization Officer at Festo, expressed confidence in the advantages that the openness of PLCnext Technology will provide to their customers.

Ulrich Leidecker, COO and President of the Business Area Industry Management and Automation at Phoenix Contact, noted that the openness of PLCnext Technology will enable suppliers to offer flexible, safe, and modern automation technology. The technology partnership between Festo and Phoenix Contact is seen as a significant milestone in the automation industry, as it expands the open automation ecosystem to enhance value for all participants involved. This strategic collaboration is poised to shape the future of industrial automation.

In summary, Festo’s integration of PLCnext Technology from Phoenix Contact’s open ecosystem for modern automation aims to elevate industrial automation by providing tailored solutions for specific customer requirements while addressing IT/OT convergence challenges through innovative Industry 4.0 solutions. The partnership between both companies promises sustainable innovation for customers while expanding