Festo’s Simplified Motion Series: Electric Drives That Prove Less is More

EIN Festo motion 400

Nov 15, 2019

Festo has created the Simplified Motion Series of electric drives for jobs requiring very simple motion or positioning, with the added bonus of being exceedingly easy to commission. These all-in-one units are alternatives for users looking for pneumatics-like simplicity – with all the necessary components and modules, including the motor and controller incorporated into the one unit, with no external controller, control cabling, or control cabinet.

Festo really puts the simple into Simplified Motion Series with fast, easy commissioning, perfect for users who don’t want to go through the often complex commissioning process required to get traditional electric drive systems up and running.  All five of the drives comprising the Simplified Motion Series employ the “plug and work” principle. All parameters can be manually adjusted directly on the drive without any special expertise, software, a computer or other accessories. Digital I/O and IO-Link are included as standard. With digital I/O, the drive’s speed and force, end positioning and cushioning can be set via touch commands right on the on-board controller. The process is remarkably simple and intuitive. Additional, extended functions are available using I/O Link, like remote setting of motion parametres, or copy and backup for parametre transfers between the drive and a computer.

The cost-effective Simplified Motion Series is optimized for performing simple movements between two mechanical end positions with special movement characteristics such as gently cushioned retracting into the end position and simplified press-fitting and clamping functions. The five drives were designed with the unique one-size-down assembly system, which means they can be easily paired in various combinations.

  1. ELGS spindle and toothed belt axis slides: The extremely compact spindle variant (ELGS-BS) comes in three sizes for a payload of up to 20 kg. at a max stroke length of 800 mm. The tooth belt variant (ELGS-TB) is ideal as a main axis in a handling system; it’s available in two sizes for up to 1.3 m/s at a max stroke of 2,000 mm. These slides can be mounted with each other or with an EGSS mini-slide.
  2. EGSS mini slide: This resilient mini slide provides smooth spindle operations for vertical Z movement or individual guided linear movements in every mounting position. The internal linear guide absorbs transverse loads and provides very good resistence to torsion at high torques. It comes in three sizes with a max stroke of 200 mm.
  3. EPCS Electric cylinder: The EPCS performs single linear movements, witth a smooth y running ball screw drive that allows precise, rapid positioning. It’s ideally suited for applications such as positioning, clamping distribution, sorting or ejection, and in handling systems as a simple Z axis. It comes in three sizes with a max stroke of 500 mm.
  4. ELGE toothed belt axis: This design is ideal for very simple tasks with low requirements for mechanical load, dynamic response and precision – where the user wants a particularly attractively priced option for high running performance of 5000 km.
  5. ERMS rotary drive: For simple swivel tasks as well as for increased mechanical loads. It has a rotary plate with sturdy, precise and backlash-free ball bearings so it can absorb transverse loads and torques. It comes in two sizes, each with a swivel angle of 90 and 180. With the standardized mounting interface, it can be connected directly to a number of Festo mini-slides including the EGSS.

Go HERE for more information

Related Articles


Latest Articles

  • ESA Provides an Update on its New Self-Serve Licensing Platform

    ESA Provides an Update on its New Self-Serve Licensing Platform

    March 27, 2026 In October 2025 Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) officially launched its new self-serve licensing platform, a modern system designed to transform how Master Electricians (MEs) and Licensed Electrical Contractors (LECs) manage their licensing needs. The platform replaces paper-based processes and provides a centralized, web-based experience for renewing and applying for licences, paying fees Read More…

  • BC Updates to Solar and Battery Rebate Program Come into Effect April/June 2026

    BC Updates to Solar and Battery Rebate Program Come into Effect April/June 2026

    March 27, 2026 Starting April 1, 2026, our battery rebate offer is changing. The offer will include: Applications submitted before April 1, 2026, will be reviewed under the current rebate amounts. New requirement for working with contractors Beginning June 1, 2026, solar and battery installations must be completed by a Home Performance Contractor Network (HPCN) member to Read More…

  • CSA Report: Online Sales of Unapproved Consumer Electrical Products in Canada

    CSA Report: Online Sales of Unapproved Consumer Electrical Products in Canada

    March 27, 2026 Canadian electrical regulators have identified that the online sales of unapproved consumer electrical products are of a serious concern, and with the growing number of online marketplaces globally there is likely a higher volume of unapproved, or non-compliant, consumer electrical products available for purchase to Canadian consumers. In 2025, Canadian Standards Association Read More…

  • Tackling Unsafe Electrical Products Sold Online: Key Outcomes from the National Workshop Agreement 

    Tackling Unsafe Electrical Products Sold Online: Key Outcomes from the National Workshop Agreement 

    March 27, 2026 By Electro-Federation Canada The rapid growth of e-commerce has transformed how Canadians purchase electrical products, but it has also introduced new safety risks. EFC members have been raising concerns for several years about the increasing availability of unsafe and unapproved electrical products sold online, often without clear evidence of certification or compliance with Canadian requirements. To Read More…


Changing Scene

  • Skills Ontario Supports Critical Skilled Trades Investment in the 2026 Ontario Budget

    Skills Ontario Supports Critical Skilled Trades Investment in the 2026 Ontario Budget

    March 27, 2026 — Skills Ontario welcomes the 2026 Ontario Budget: A Plan to Protect Ontario, released today by the Ontario Government and Minister of Finance Peter Bethlenfalvy, and applauds the continued commitment to investing in skilled trades, technologies, and workforce development. Skills Ontario was pleased to see the government maintain and strengthen its support Read More…

  • Toronto Hydro Launches New Pilot Program to Help Multiplex Builders Energize

    Toronto Hydro Launches New Pilot Program to Help Multiplex Builders Energize

    April 27, 2026 Toronto Hydro is launching a trailblazing customer pilot project designed to help local builders electrify multiplex housing without complex service upgrades. Through Toronto Hydro’s Multiplex PowerPlay, up to six multiplex projects can qualify to receive funding toward a smart energy load management system. Smart load management systems continuously monitor total building energy Read More…

  • Gescan and George Gordon Developments Strengthen Community Impact in Saskatchewan

    Gescan and George Gordon Developments Strengthen Community Impact in Saskatchewan

    March 25, 2026 Gescan, a Sonepar Company, is proud to highlight its continued commitment to supporting communities across Saskatchewan through their meaningful alliance with George Gordon Developments Ltd. (GGDL). With a strong focus on community development, workforce participation and inclusive growth, Gescan is working closely with GGDL to create training, employment and business opportunities for Saskatchewan residents. These efforts are particularly focused on supporting individuals Read More…

  • Electric Avenue Launches Incentive Program for EV Charging Installers

    Electric Avenue Launches Incentive Program for EV Charging Installers

    March 23, 2026 Halifax-based EV charging solutions provider Electric Avenue has announced the official launch of its new Contractor Incentive Program, a first-of-its-kind initiative in the EV charging industry, built exclusively for contractors who have completed the company’s Installer Certification course. The program rewards certified installers for every verified and networked installation they complete, offering cash Read More…