Festo Automation Suite: New software gets automation up and running quickly, simply

October 2, 2019

With the free, PC-based Festo Automation Suite commissioning software, getting a new drive package up and running couldn’t be simpler and faster. Only five easy steps are needed to parameterize and configure all parts of an installation, from the mechanical system to the controller using the Automation Suite’s commissioning wizard. It’s all very intuitive.

The Automation Suite is one of Festo’s digital tools to simplify and accelerate automation projects. It works with both Festo and third party controllers. Besides parameterization and programming of connected Festo components, it can display their status, provide process data and any pending diagnostic messages can be seen at a glance. The interface can be customized for the user’s requirements by importing only those component and other plug-ins and sub-programs relevant to that installation or application.

The Automation Suite software also contains the basic workings of all Festo drive-related electric and pneumatic components. Device information, manuals and application descriptions can be downloaded from the software without having to open a web browser each time.

New components and capabilities continue to be added. For example, the new compact cost-effective CMMT-AS servo drive can be commissioned with the Automation Suite in just a few minutes, and without errors. For the expert user, the CMMT-AS plug-in provides access to all device parameters so that advanced optimizations can be made. And the CMMT-AS drive can be integrated into the program of Festo’s CPX-E controller with just two clicks rather than the 100 or so it would take otherwise. After the drive has been connected to the controller on the screen by dragging a line, everything else, from the integration of the necessary libraries and the linking of process data to the transfer of important axis parameters is performed automatically. (With the optional CODESYS add-on, one can even use the Automation Suite software to perform the CPX-E motion control and robotics setup functions.)

New users in particular will appreciate the Automation Suite’s commissioning wizard. It retrieves only the settings that are truly needed, ensuring that the drive system is operational quickly, easily and reliably. All it takes is five steps. The user selects the drive components, sets a few parameters, loads the device, switches it on – and the drive system works.

The software also offers fast, easy commissioning for another new Festo product – the ground-breaking CPX-AP-I remote I/O control module.

The Automation Suite and explanatory information about it and new products like the CMMT-AS and CMMT-ST servo drives that can be commissioned using it is available for downloading at https://www.festo.com/cms/en-ca_ca/68062.htm.

Related Articles


Changing Scene


Sponsored Content
The Easy Way to the Industrial IoT

The way to the Industrial IoT does not have to be complicated. Whether access to valuable data is required or new, data-driven services are to be generated, Weidmuller enables its customers to go from data to value the easy way. Weidmuller’s comprehensive and cutting-edge IIoT portfolio applies to greenfield and brownfield applications. Weidmuller offers components and solutions from data acquisition, data pre-processing, data communication and data analysis.

Visit Weidmuller’s Industrial IoT Portfolio.


ADVANCED Motion Controls Takes Servo Drives to New Heights (and Depths) with FlexPro Extended Environment Product Line

Advanced Motion Controls is proud to announce the addition of six new CANopen servo drives with Extended Environment capabilities to their FlexPro line. These new drives join AMC’s existing EtherCAT Extended Environment FlexPro drives, making the FlexPro line the go-to solution for motion control applications in harsh environments.

Many motion control applications take place in conditions that are less than ideal, such as extreme temperatures, high and low pressures, shocks and vibrations, and contamination. Electronics, including servo drives, can malfunction or sustain permanent damage in these conditions.

Read More


Service Wire Co. Announces New Titles for Key Executives

Bruce Kesler and Mark Gatewood have been given new titles and responsibilities for Service Wire Co.

Bruce Kesler has assumed the role of Senior Director – Business Development. Bruce will be responsible for Service Wire’s largest strategic accounts and our growing Strategic Accounts Team.

Mark Gatewood has been promoted to the role of Vice President – Sales & Marketing. In this role, Gatewood will lead the efforts of Service Wire Company’s entire sales and marketing organization in all market verticals.

Read More


Tri-Mach Announces the Purchase of an Additional 45,000 sq ft. Facility

Tri-Mach Elmira Facility

Recently, Tri-Mach Inc. was thrilled to announce the addition of a new 45,000 sq ft. facility. Located at 285 Union St., Elmira, ON, this facility expands Tri-Mach’s capabilities, allowing them to better serve the growing needs of their customers.

Positioning for growth, this additional facility will allow Tri-Mach to continue taking on large-scale projects, enhance product performance testing, and provide equipment storage for their customers. The building will also be the new home to their Skilled Trades Centre of Excellence.

Read More


JMP Parent Company, CONVERGIX Acquires AGR Automation, Expanding Global Reach

Convergix Automation Solutions has completed the acquisition of AGR Automation (“AGR”), a UK-based provider of custom, high-performance automation design and systems integration primarily to the life sciences industry.

Following Convergix’s acquisitions of JMP Solutions in August 2021 and Classic Design in February 2022, AGR marks the third investment in Crestview’s strategy to build Convergix into a diversified automation solutions provider targeting the global $500+ billion market, with a particular focus on the $70 billion global systems integration and connectivity segments. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Read More


Latest Articles

  • Automated Test Equipment (ATE) Revival: Repurposing and Extending the Life of Aging ATE Systems

    Automated Test Equipment (ATE) Revival: Repurposing and Extending the Life of Aging ATE Systems

    Automated Test Equipment (ATE) and Automated Test Systems (ATS) serve the critical purpose of ensuring that electronic devices operate according to specifications in the field. As such, these systems are widely utilized for testing automotive electronics, batteries, telecom infrastructure, renewable energy systems, and consumer electronics. The aerospace and defense sectors also make substantial investments in… Read More…

  • Partner Country Canada at HANNOVER MESSE 2025: The Future’s Here

    Partner Country Canada at HANNOVER MESSE 2025: The Future’s Here

    Canada is Partner Country of HANNOVER MESSE 2025, underscoring the strong economic and political ties between “The True North” and Germany. Canada announced its Partner Country commitment in August 2022 when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau hosted German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Canada. Canada’s starring role from 31 March to 4 April 2025 at HANNOVER… Read More…