PLCnext Technology: Festo and Phoenix Contact Enter into Strategic Technology Partnership
April 26, 2024
Festo, manufacturer of pneumatic and electrical automation technology, will use PLCnext Technology, the open ecosystem for modern automation from Phoenix Contact, in future intelligent devices.
This will combine the innovative strength of both companies with the aim of taking industrial automation to a new level. The new product generation is expected to be launched at the end of the year. The integration of PLCnext Technology opens up a wide range of opportunities for Festo and its customers:
- Openness and flexibility: PLCnext Technology is based on an open architecture that allows individual solutions to be developed and existing systems to be seamlessly integrated. Festo can therefore offer customized automation solutions for specific customer requirements.
- Utilization of synergies: The combination of know-how from the two companies enables profitable cooperation in order to be able to solve future technological challenges – such as in the area of cybersecurity – in the best possible way.
- Innovation and future viability: The combination of Festo’s expertise in automation and PLCnext Technology promises innovative solutions for Industry 4.0. By working together and pooling resources, the challenges of digital transformation can be mastered together.
The common goal of Festo and Phoenix Contact is to meet the requirements arising from the convergence of IT and OT (Information Technology and Operations Technology) in industry through open automation solutions.
“In a rapidly changing world, it is becoming increasingly important to enter into partnerships and work together within the framework of open technology platforms. A paradigm shift is clearly noticeable. Together with Festo, we will continue to work on generating new solutions for our customers. Because sustainable innovation can only be achieved through close cooperation,” emphasizes Frank Stührenberg, CEO of Phoenix Contact.
Festo has opted for PLCnext Technology. Festo has been looking for a partner with an open system approach for its future direction, who will provide an appropriate operating system, develop it further, and launch it on the market.
“With PLCnext Technology, we are using the technologically leading platform in automation technology. We are convinced that the openness of PLCnext Technology will provide our customers with many advantages,” emphasizes Gerhard Borho, Chief Information Technology and Digitalization Officer at Festo. Ulrich Leidecker, COO and President of the Business Area Industry Management and Automation at Phoenix Contact, adds: “The openness of PLCnext Technology opens up the possibility for numerous suppliers to offer flexible, safe and modern automation technology. The technology partnership with Festo represents a milestone for the automation industry. Because the more partners there are in an open automation ecosystem, the more valuable it becomes for each individual participant.”
The collaboration between Festo and Phoenix Contact is an important step for the future of the automation industry. New, open thinking and the bringing together of industry expertise sets the course for innovative solutions and drives a sustainable world forward.
