Festo Expands VTUX Valve Terminal with Advanced Connectivity and Energy Functions

[Cengiz Özemli]

## Festo Expands VTUX Valve Terminal with Advanced Connectivity and Energy Functions

Festo has enhanced its VTUX pneumatic valve terminal platform with new communication options, intelligent vacuum integration, and energy-saving valve functions. These innovations support modular, Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)-compatible machine designs.

### Modular Design and Optimized Pneumatics
The VTUX is designed as a modular, cost-optimized pneumatic solenoid valve manifold with high flow capacity. Valve modules can be freely arranged, creating compact and lightweight structures that reduce assembly time and machine space.

The ability to split manifolds without additional fieldbus nodes allows for more decentralized machine layouts, easier maintenance access, and reduced system costs. Short pneumatic lines reduce dead volumes, increasing actuator response times and cycle speeds while minimizing compressed air consumption.

The lightweight construction enables mounting on front units, gantries, or robot arms, reducing moving mass and minimizing piping complexity.

### Digital Integration with Festo AP
The expanded VTUX platform includes Festo AP (Automation Protocol) integration, providing open digital communication between electrical and pneumatic subsystems. Festo AP supports centralized, decentralized, or hybrid structures and enables integration into Ethernet-based fieldbus networks.

The IP65/67-rated CPX-AP-I remote I/O system provides real-time communication, while IO-Link and direct fieldbus interfaces offer flexible integration. The CTED multi-protocol node provides compact connectivity to common Industrial Ethernet hosts, reducing interface complexity.

Thanks to Festo AP, VTUX becomes part of a digital automation environment, enabling sensor integration, diagnostics, and data exchange for predictive maintenance and machine transparency in IIoT applications.

### Intelligent Vacuum and I/O Flexibility
New optional input modules increase flexibility in commissioning and diagnostics. Additionally, valve slices can be equipped with integrated intelligent vacuum generators, reducing external lines and cabling.

The integrated vacuum function for end-of-arm applications shortens pneumatic lines and reduces wear points. The small design and low moving mass improve robot dynamics and enable faster process cycles.

### Energy Efficiency with Smart Switch Lite
The Smart Switch Lite function offers a 5/4-way valve option that temporarily cuts off supply air during cylinder movement. The remaining expansion energy allows the actuator to reach its final position while reducing air consumption.

Cylinder chambers can be individually vented and blocked, allowing for controlled pressure reduction in the end position. This supports dynamic subsequent movements, optimizing cycle times and contributing to reduced energy consumption.

### Future-Proof Scalable Platform
With integrated safety functions, open communication, and modular pneumatic configuration, the advanced VTUX platform supports scalable machine concepts, from compact standalone units to complex networked systems.

The updated VTUX, combining digital connectivity, reduced piping volume, and energy-efficient valve control, offers more responsive and resource-efficient automation architectures.