It was announced at the Hannover Messe this week that Festo will be utilizing PLCnext Technology, an open ecosystem for modern automation from Phoenix Contact, in their future intelligent devices. This collaboration between the two companies aims to elevate industrial automation to a new level, with the new product generation set to be launched later this year.
The integration of PLCnext Technology will provide Festo and its customers with a wide range of opportunities. This technology is built on an open architecture that allows for the development of individualized solutions and seamless integration with existing systems, enabling Festo to offer customized automation solutions tailored to specific customer requirements.
Both Festo and Phoenix Contact share the common goal of addressing the challenges posed by the convergence of Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT) through the use of open automation solutions. By combining Festo’s automation expertise with PLCnext Technology, innovative Industry 4.0 solutions are expected to emerge.
Frank Stührenberg, CEO at Phoenix Contact, emphasized the importance of partnerships and collaboration within open technology platforms in a rapidly changing world. Gerhard Borho, Chief Information Technology and Digitalization Officer at Festo, expressed confidence in the benefits that the openness of PLCnext Technology will bring to customers.
Ulrich Leidecker, COO and President of the Business Area Industry Management and Automation at Phoenix Contact, highlighted the significance of the technology partnership with Festo in advancing the automation industry. The openness of PLCnext Technology creates opportunities for suppliers to offer flexible, safe, and modern automation technology, contributing to the value of an open automation ecosystem.
The technology partnership between Festo and Phoenix Contact represents a milestone in the automation industry, as it paves the way for innovative solutions that align with the demands of modern industrial automation. As the collaboration progresses, both companies are expected to continue delivering groundbreaking solutions in response to evolving industry needs.