The 23rd China International Industry Fair (CIIF 2026) grandly opened on October 12 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai). Festo, a leading global supplier of automation technology, participated under the theme “Pneumatic-Electric Integration, Empowered by Digital Intelligence,” featuring the major launch of its new-generation VUVX solenoid valves. The company also highlighted its “End-of-Arm” (EoA) solutions, designed for various automation tasks and workpiece types in industrial settings. In the realm of electrical automation, Festo not only upgraded its highly acclaimed advanced safety function solutions—which garnered significant attention last year—but also introduced a broader range of “pneumatic-electric integrated” remote I/O products, enabling seamless connectivity for customers from the workpiece all the way to the cloud. On the digital front, a suite of software and solutions incorporating artificial intelligence provided an immersive, intelligent experience for attendees. Through this comprehensive showcase of products and application solutions, Festo demonstrated its deep technical expertise and innovative capabilities across key automation sectors, including semiconductors, robotics, and food packaging.
VUVX Solenoid Valve: Redefining the Standards for Pneumatic Control
As a key highlight of this exhibition, Festo is debuting its new-generation VUVX solenoid valve to the global market. This landmark product was developed under the leadership of Festo’s local team in China and is manufactured at the company’s global production center in Jinan. It underscores Festo’s strategic commitment to deepening its presence in the Chinese market, strengthening its innovation capabilities, and bolstering local manufacturing. Compared to the previous-generation VUVG series, the VUVX delivers a comprehensive performance breakthrough within the same footprint: flow rates are increased by up to 40%, switching frequency has risen from 3 Hz to 5 Hz, weight has been reduced by as much as 34%, and power consumption can be as low as 0.3 W.
Featuring a modular design, the VUVX is available in sizes 10, 14, 18, and 24, covering a flow rate range of 260 to 1,975 l/min. It serves as a core pneumatic component for the groundbreaking new-generation VTUX valve terminal platform, while also functioning as a standalone solenoid valve—offering both seamless system integration and flexible, independent deployment. Its aluminum construction balances robustness with a lightweight profile, and the use of connection plates allows for versatile interface configurations. This makes the VUVX an ideal standardized pneumatic control solution for sectors such as lithium-ion battery production, semiconductor manufacturing, textile machinery, and the assembly of small components. The product will be available simultaneously across Festo’s online channels—including its official web shop, Tmall flagship store, and JD.com flagship store—and is well-suited for automated applications requiring higher flow rates, faster cycle times, and complex logistics workflows.
“Through ‘boundless automation,’ we are paving the way to meet all of our customers’ industrial motion requirements,” says Jiang Zuolin, President of Festo Greater China. “The VUVX is more than just a new product; it represents our fresh perspective on the future of automation control technology. By combining a more streamlined design with superior performance, we are empowering our customers to seize opportunities in an increasingly volatile market.”
Dynamic Exhibits Showcase the Boundless Potential of “Pneumatic-Electric Integration”
At the recent Industrial Fair, Festo presented several dynamic exhibits centered on “pneumatic-electric integration.” Through live demonstrations, visitors could see how Festo transforms complex industrial automation challenges into simple, accessible, and practical solutions—experiencing firsthand the technical magic of “simplifying the complex.”
The advanced safety solution for pneumatic-electric systems demonstrates the intelligent implementation of safety functions. The system is divided into three safety zones; by using laser scanners, light curtains, and safety gates to intelligently track the location of personnel, it enables seamless transitions between full-speed operation, reduced-speed operation, and safe stops—ensuring both operational efficiency and the safety of production personnel.
The End-of-Arm (EOA) actuator solutions—featuring collaborative robots equipped with ISO 50-standard flexible pneumatic grippers, vacuum generators, and electric grippers—showcase the diverse applications of Festo’s end-effectors across various industries and scenarios. Notably, the DHEF/DHAS adaptive grippers—inspired by the tongues of chameleons and the fins of fish—highlight Festo’s innovative capacity to draw inspiration from nature and translate it into real-world applications.
The pneumatic-electric energy efficiency management solution focuses on the theme of “visible energy savings and manageable, high-efficiency energy use.” It provides a comparative look at the energy consumption of pneumatic versus electric systems during actual operation. Through methods such as pressure optimization, leak monitoring, intelligent air supply management, and automated system shutdowns, it helps enterprises identify energy consumption patterns and refine their energy strategies, ultimately fostering greener and more sustainable production.
The “Festo × Tsinghua Industrial Intelligent Agent” project addresses the practical requirements of intelligent production line engineering. By deeply integrating cutting-edge technologies—including artificial intelligence, PLC control, multimodal sensing, motion control, and collaborative robotics—it establishes a comprehensive, end-to-end framework covering environmental perception, data analysis, task planning, equipment control, and multi-machine coordination. This initiative offers a fresh perspective for talent development in intelligent manufacturing within higher education, as well as for collaborative innovation between industry, academia, and research—underscoring Festo’s extensive experience and ongoing exploration in the field of technical training and education. Comprehensive Solutions Empowering the Semiconductor Industry
Designed specifically for wet processing equipment, our integrated pneumatic-electric solutions for semiconductor wet processes utilize all-stainless-steel electric servo systems, high-precision proportional pressure valves, and fluid isolation valves. These components provide maximum protection and precise control for cup-lift mechanisms and chemical fluid management, effectively preventing corrosion and leaks caused by chemical agents.
Our micron-level pneumatic positioning control system is well-suited for semiconductor process valves. By integrating VTEP valve terminals with CPX motion controllers, the system achieves precise closed-loop control of pneumatic actuators. Even standard pneumatic actuators can attain micron-level positioning accuracy through this optimized system design, meeting the rigorous demands of semiconductor manufacturing.
For advanced semiconductor packaging, our VTEP proportional valve control solutions offer high-precision pressure regulation during dispensing and bonding processes. This ensures that chips remain undamaged during bonding, thereby enhancing the overall reliability and production efficiency of the packaging process.
Driving the Future of Intelligent Manufacturing through Digital Empowerment
At this year’s Industrial Expo, Festo demonstrated how the deep integration of digital and automation technologies enables customers to transition toward smarter, more advanced manufacturing. At the core of this digital empowerment is the Festo AX predictive maintenance software, which collects real-time data—such as pressure, flow rate, and air consumption—from production lines. Using AI algorithms, it analyzes equipment status and provides early warnings for potential failures. Through a closed-loop management cycle of “monitoring, analysis, and control optimization,” enterprises can achieve energy savings, stable operation, and transparent maintenance for their pneumatic systems, significantly reducing unplanned downtime.
From Festo AX Smartenance and the digital schematic software Fluidraw to product configurators and visual dashboards, Festo offers both standardized, easily customizable software and bespoke development services. Whether it involves integrating diverse equipment data, performing powerful intelligent data analysis, or streamlining technical documentation, Festo is committed to embedding digital capabilities into every product and system. This empowers customers to gain actionable data insights, make smarter decisions, and seize opportunities in an ever-changing market. Through this dialogue, Festo not only showcased its cutting-edge technological products but also conveyed a firm commitment to co-creating value with its customers. Guided by the vision of “infusing the world with new momentum through automation”—and anchored by local R&D and manufacturing—Festo leverages the power of digital and intelligent transformation to collaborate with customers and partners, driving China’s manufacturing sector toward higher-end, smarter, and greener development.
Post time: Oct-16-2026
