Teaching pneumatics effectively can be challenging when access to physical equipment, lab space or instructor time is limited.
With Virtual Labs, Festo introduces a new way for teachers to make pneumatic principles more accessible, visual and engaging through immersive 3D simulation.
Powered by FluidSIM, Virtual Labs Pneumatics enables immersive 3D training for pneumatic systems.
Key features
- Build pneumatic systems in 3D
Assemble components, connect hoses and create complete system setups in a realistic virtual environment. - Visualize invisible processes
Make airflow, pressure, leaks and switching states visible in real time. - Industry-relevant skill development
- Build practical competencies through realistic application scenarios.
- Powered by FluidSIM
Benefit from proven simulation accuracy combined with immersive 3D interaction. - Support safe practical learning
Let students explore and experiment without physical hardware or safety risks. - Enable flexible teaching
Use Virtual Labs in classroom, remote or blended learning settings. - Encourage independent learning
Students can repeat exercises, test scenarios and learn at their own pace.
Making invisible processes visible
In technical education, many essential pneumatic processes are difficult to demonstrate clearly. Compressed air flows through a system, valves switch and cylinders move, but much of this remains invisible to learners when working only with circuit diagrams.
This is where virtual learning environments can make a real difference. With Virtual Labs, Festo introduces an immersive 3D simulation software for pneumatics that helps teachers make technical processes more visible, interactive and accessible.
Learners can build and connect pneumatic systems in a realistic virtual environment, observe system behavior in real time and gain deeper insight through realistic set-up scenarios, interactive troubleshooting and the visualization of variables such as flow and pressure.
More flexibility for teaching and learning
Virtual Labs enables hands-on learning across a range of educational settings, including classroom teaching, remote learning and blended formats. Learners can explore systems safely, repeat tasks independently and experiment without the limitations of physical hardware.
Unlike fixed XR learning experiences, it supports continuous use across different training levels, applications, and learning objectives.
This gives teachers a flexible way to extend practical learning opportunities, even when equipment or supervised lab time is limited. It also supports self-directed learning by allowing students to work at their own pace.
Bridging theory and practice
One of the key challenges in pneumatics education is helping learners move from abstract symbols and circuits to functional understanding. By connecting circuit design with immersive 3D simulation, Virtual Labs helps students to experience pneumatic systems in realistic industrial contexts and build practical, industry-relevant skills.
For vocational schools, technical colleges and universities, this creates new opportunities to make lessons more visual, interactive and application-oriented.
About Festo
Festo is a global player and an independent family-owned company with headquarters in Esslingen am Neckar, Germany. The company supplies pneumatic and electrical automation technology to 300,000 customers of factory and process automation in over 35 industries. With about 20,600 employees in over 250 branch offices in around 60 countries worldwide, Festo achieved a turnover of around €3.65 billion in 2023. Festo Didactic SE is a leading provider of technical education and training and offers its customers worldwide comprehensive digital and physical learning solutions in the industrial environment.
Article Submitted by
Lydia Ditter
Festo SE & Co. KG
Germany