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Learning from nature...
 Ever wonder how bionics could be used to improve the efficiency and productivity of automated motion sequences? Festo searches for innovative answers to this question through a diverse range of projects within their Bionic Learning Network. The latest technology from Festo is used in experimental prototypes, such as the Air Jelly integrated mechatronic concept.
AirJelly is a remote radio-controlled airborne jellyfish with a central
electric drive unit and an intelligent adaptive mechanism. A connected central electric drive unit transmits the force to a bevel gear wheel and then to eight spur gears in sequence. These gears power eight shafts, each of which activates a crank; these in turn move the jellyfish's eight tentacles.
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Conserve Your Most Valuable Resource (time) by Using our Sizing and Selection Tools
How many hours do you spend on each project doing motor sizings, calculating valve, actuator, air prep, tubing, fitting combination flow rate requirements, guessing at which lens will give you the right field of view at your desired working distance or wondering if the gripper or vacuum generator you picked has enough force to hold you part or too much force that it might damage it?
We recognize that one of the most critical aspects of any application is proper sizing of all of the components. Often these sizings require some relatively complex calculations and the work associated with finding the right formulas and documenting these calulations based on the project specifications can often be one of the most time consuming steps in the design of any new machine. To help ease this burden, we have compiled all of the sizing and specification tools available from our vendors onto the resources page of our website. Most of these packages will let you input your criteria and present you with a complete project report. Please see an example below. |
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Motion Control Design Application
A picture (with calculations and graphs) is worth a thousand words...
 Here is an application example using the Festo Positioning Drives software illustrating how it can be used to determine the appropriate components for a motion control application.
Example:
An automated screw driving mechanism needs to travel 600mm (24") in under 2 seconds with a dwell time of .02 seconds. The load is 50 lbs on a vertical axis and we have chosen to use a tooth belt drive.
Plugging the application data into Positioning Drive results in a proposed solution that includes the recommended linear actuator, motor and controller including part numbers, a motion profile a results diagram and dynamic data.
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Festo CPX Module:
Fieldbus Gateway, Motion Control Interface, Valves, Inputs, Outputs, Proportional Regulators and Pressure Displays
 Different communication protocols may be integrated into the CPX Terminal providing a gateway for various fieldbus systems, opening up a new realm of control possibilities.
The CPX-CM-HPP or CPX-CMXX motion control blocks are modules in the CPX manifold that offer flexible (1-8 axes), powerful (simple point to point or complex interpolated profiles) and cost-effective ways to integrate motion control.
The control component is independent of the fieldbus node used. This means that Festo's electric drive technology is compatible with all industrial communication interfaces. The control block does not need to be programmed and provides quick configuration and diagnostics via the operator unit CPX-MMI.
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Festo EGC Toothed Belt and Spindle Axes
 The EGC actuator has an optimized cross section affording maximum rigidity and load capacity. It is designed with increased width of the belt and bigger pulleys and bearing than the DGE series providing higher feed forces, shorter cycle times and making downsizing possible. The motor position can be freely selected on all 4 sides and can be changed at any time.
Click here to view EGC video |
