| |

Revolutionize Your Automation Projects with the MPS 403

Festo’s groundbreaking MPS 403 – the ultimate all-round learning system for automation technology.

October 27, 2023

Greg James, Festo Didactic Sales Manager, rocked the stage at the CMTS event in Canada last month, showcasing Festo’s groundbreaking MPS 403 – the ultimate all-round learning system for automation technology. Watch the video presentation now to discover how MPS 403 can revolutionize your automation projects.

Festo is a global leader in technical education. As an international partner to training institutions, governments, government agencies, and businesses, they design and implement training systems and labs, as well as learning systems and training programs. They systematically prepare skilled professionals for working in dynamic and complex environments.

MPS 403: Compact All Round Learning Factory Mechatronics and Industry 4.0

The MPS 403-1 learning factory consists of the MPS 400 system modules Distributing Pro, Joining and Sorting Inline. The system modules are networked with the MES, equipped with RFID read/write devices and intelligent sensors based on IO-Link and form a self-sufficient system. In addition to the above-mentioned system modules, MPS 403-1 R contains a Robotino and thus expands the learning topics to include the field of mobile robotics and related topics in production.

Learning Goals

  • Networking of multiple stations, control systems, and I/O units with an MES-centered software environment via network-based protocols (OPC-UA, IO-Link, PROFINET, TCP-IP, Node-RED)
  • Programming industrial touch panels and familiarity with modern human/machine interfaces such as augmented reality and web interfaces
  • Familiarity with RFID and network technology as well as intelligent IO-Link®-based sensors
  • Learning about new business models using industrial IIoT retrofitting by means of a webcam and microcomputer as well as learning how to use machine learning algorithms
  • Production of customized products using production orders induced by an online store
  • Vacuum and parallel gripper technology, as well as the retrofitting of production plants

Process
Processing in the learning system starts when a production order is entered via an intuitively designed user interface of the MES. The first station separates workpieces from three level-monitored stacking magazines and writes the corresponding RFID tags. The subsequent assembly station reads the RFID tag and, depending on the production order, adds an upper part to the workpiece.

It can either add a simple cover or, after appropriate conversion, an intelligent microcontroller to the base body of the workpiece. The third sorting station distributes the workpieces to two chutes according to the order and quality control or forwards them to additional downstream stations. The learning factory can be divided into several parts, with Robotino then transporting workpieces between the production islands as a mobile robot (MPS 403-1 R).

IO-Link and OPC UA
The trainees deal with intelligent laser, ultrasonic and capacitive sensors based on IO-Link, learn about their advantages over classic sensors and can later address, interpret, maintain and integrate them into production systems. In addition to IO-Link, the basics of PROFINET and OPC UA are also taught. This gives learners a well-founded insight into the most important network-based protocols in the automation environment.

More Information

Technical Education

Learning Factory Distributing Pro, Joining and Sorting Inline MPS 403-1

Related Story

How Festo Is Filling the Training Gap with Workforce Development
Revolutionize Your Automation Projects with the MPS403

Labour and skills shortages are among the most pressing challenges that manufacturers face today. Access to a large, high-quality workforce is critical for manufacturing to be successful. This workforce is the driving force for innovation and is essential to making the most of new technologies and production methods.

Some of the most leading companies involved in manufacturing are taking these steps (and some having started decades ago), and they are working with educational institutions and governments to fill the skills gap that manufacturing is experiencing today. Festo has been leading the charge for technical education at a global scale. In this article, Greg James, Regional Sales Manager – Festo Didactic Ltd. shines some light onto what is being done in Canada to reduce the training gap and help ensure there are enough skilled workers available to keep the factory of the future running.

Related Articles


Latest Articles

  • UPS Systems Ensure Greater Reliability in Critical Infrastructures

    October 15, 2025 In this blog article, you will learn why UPS systems are indispensable for ensuring a reliable and stable power supply in critical infrastructures, which components are needed for this, and which standards they must meet. In the past 100 years, electricity has always flowed in one direction – from the producer to the… Read More…

  • Fully Automated Integration Platform for Objective and Repeatable Testing

    October 15, 2025 Fully automated integration platform for objective and repeatable testing XTS in quality assurance for complex and safety-relevant automotive components The safety and quality requirements for components are growing continuously, particularly in the automotive industry. To meet these requirements, it is essential to implement clear, objective, traceable, and efficient quality inspection processes for… Read More…


Featured Article

Revolutionizing Material Movement with Autonomous Mobile Robots

Revolutionizing Material Movement with Autonomous Mobile Robots

In today’s fast-paced manufacturing and logistics industries, the need for efficient and flexible material movement solutions has never been greater. Traditional methods like conveyor systems, forklifts, and manual pushcarts have served us well, but they come with limitations.

That’s why Omron is thrilled to announce the launch of their game-changing MD Series of Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs). Read more


Products

  • WAGO Canada Brings Its Scalable Automation Solutions to ADM Toronto

    October 15, 2025 WAGO offers Canadian manufacturers the only automation platform built on a foundation of zero-maintenance reliability. WAGO, a world leader in automation and connectivity, will display its open, scalable automation platform at the Advanced Design & Manufacturing (ADM) Expo. (WAGO Booth #1505, Automation Hall, Toronto Congress Centre, October 21–23). WAGO’s solutions combine multi-protocol integration,… Read More…

  • Electromechanical Power Relays with ATEX Approval from Carlo Gavazzi

    October 15, 2025                                                                            Electromechanical Power Relays with ATEX Approval from Carlo Gavazzi Carlo Gavazzi Automation, the international electronics group with activities in the design, manufacture and marketing of electronic equipment, is pleased to announce the launch of the new CF/CS 30 ATEX Series, completing the CF/CS 30 Electromechanical Power Relays range. The… Read More…