The VTEMs first-of-its-kind digital valves change functionality based on various combinations of downloadable apps and conform to the National Science Foundations definition of a cyber-physical system*. (Festo Booth # 1307)

Digital valves are key to understanding the power of the revolutionary Festo VTEM digital pneumatic valve terminal showcased for the first time at Automation Fair 2017, November 15-16, George R. Brown Convention Center, Houston. Downloadable applications control valve functionality so that one valve can potentially replace up to 50 different pneumatic components. The VTEM, which begins shipping to customers in December, has just been approved as a Rockwell Automation Encompass™ referenced product. (Festo Booth # 1307)

At Automation Fair, Festo will be one of the first Rockwell Automation PartnerNetwork™ companies to prototype third party device integration with the mobile device collaborative app FactoryTalk TeamONE and with FactoryTalk Analytics for Devices that provides health and diagnostic analytics directly from industrial devices over EtherNet/IP.
*Cyber-physical systems are engineered systems that are built from, and depend upon, the seamless integration of computational algorithms and physical components.
The active pick-and-place demo at the Festo booth, which features the VTEM digital pneumatic valve terminal, other Festo pneumatic systems, and the two FactoryTalk applications, shows how the combination optimizes overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) and saves energy.
"The future belongs to Industry 4.0/IIoT solutions that deliver analytics and collaborative maintenance involving not only the PLC and electric drives, but also pneumatics, vision, weigh scales, and all the other functional devices in a process," said Frank Latino, Festo Product Manager for Ethernet/IP. "Every Automation Fair attendee interested in the efficiency of direct-from-device data to improve OEE, conserve energy, and achieve lowest total cost of ownership should stop by the Festo booth for this unique demonstration."
Motion apps seamlessly integrate computational algorithms with digital valves
Thanks to downloadable motion apps, one digitally controlled valve within the VTEM digital pneumatic valve terminal can replicate traditional valve functions, including 2/2, 3/2, 4/2 or 4/3 way as well as proportional technology and servo-pneumatic functions. But that is not all. One flexible valve can also include apps that preset travel time, reduce costs by operating actuators with minimum pressure, and detect leaks for faster fault detection and less downtime. Since changing parameters in this cyber-physical system doesnt necessarily require a change in hardware, adaptation costs are kept within tight margins, even when changes are made after installation. The VTEM is offered in either four-valve or eight-valve platforms.
Other Festo Products on Display
Festo also features at Automation Fair the MSE6-E2M intelligent service unit that automatically shuts off the air supply to a machine when in standby mode, thus reducing energy consumption. E2M, which is included in the active FactoryTalk demo, performs typical monitoring functions, making system pressure and flow information available in real time which enables faster response to compressed air leaks. Two common themed areas of Industry 4.0 and the Internet of Things (IIoT) are condition monitoring and energy efficiency; the Festo E2M addresses both. The Encompass referenced E2M module is suitable for new machines and as an easy retrofit to existing machines.
Festo wraps up its Automation Fair pneumatics showcase with the companys new expanded line of process automation valves, process automation training through Didactic, IO-Link solutions, a range of valve terminals, and CTEU low-cost Ethernet/IP nodes.
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About Festo
Festo is a leading manufacturer of pneumatic and electromechanical systems, components, and controls for process and industrial automation. For more than 40 years, Festo Corporation has continuously elevated the state of manufacturing with innovations and optimized motion control solutions that deliver higher performing, more profitable automated manufacturing and processing equipment.