Page 46 - trends in automation

Can you see
­into the future,
­Dr. Nestle?
You’re obviously referring to my role as
Head of Future Technologies at Festo.
Obviously, I can’t see into the future.
However, during my engineering studies
and since becoming an industrial engi-
neer, the potential of technology to shape the future of
humankind has never ceased to fascinate me. I’ve always
had an interest in spotting new trends and developments.
My team and I are the link between research and appli­
cation. We maintain close contact with universities,
­participate in technology clusters and networks and are
in constant dialogue with experts from a wide range of
disciplines. In this complex web of information and com-
munication, we actively seek out new technologies that
are suitable ­for future automation solutions. At Festo
­Future Technologies, we are like time travellers between
the present and the future.
Let me give you a concrete example. In the 1990s, we
looked at the subject of piezo technology and over time
built up knowledge, discussed applications and ultimately
transferred the idea to development. As a team we were
involved throughout the entire process, from the design
concept through to the construction and connection tech-
nology and right up to process development and release
for series production. Today, Festo produces valves for
seat comfort for the automotive industry and provides
­piezo technology for medical applications. Piezo technol-
ogy now provides the foundation for completely new
­concepts in factory and process automation. On the one
hand, this example shows the innovation potential that
exists in future technologies and on the other it shows
how long it takes to get from fundamental research to
production. During this period, we must persevere in order
to make our ‘crystal ball’ vision a reality.
2.2013 trends in automation
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