Emulate3D as a 3D environment for digital twins enables the creation of models in conjunction with physics engines, but also discrete-event or on the basis of kinematics solvers. Different engines can be selected depending on the requirements.
The extremely powerful UNREAL is used as the render engine.
Main features of Emulate3D
Standardized
Emulate3D provides a large number of standard libraries. These include, for example
The “CAD is the model” module is used to integrate 3D CAD data into digital twins. This enables the kinematization of CAD data and the simultaneous generation of inputs and outputs for the PLC connection.
Customizable
Many of the standard components are open and therefore act as templates for developing individualized modules. This can be done on the basis of the graphical scripting language “QuickLogic” or on the basis of C# (Visual Studio, Visual Studio Code). The components can be stored and managed in separate libraries.
In general, scripts based on C# allow the implementation of individual functions and thus also the automation of processes. Emulate3D can therefore be seen as a development framework for custom solutions over and above the standard software.
One example of this is the library for Rockwell Automation Independent Cart technology, which is available to all Emulate3D users. Based on parameterizable components, it enables model creation, simulation, automated generation of PLC code and virtual commissioning. The library was not developed by the Emulate3D development team, but by the business unit itself.
Rockwell Independent Cart Technology
Open
Openness has been a key feature of Emulate3D from the very beginning. This refers to the possibility of developing your own modules and functions, but also, for example, to the CAD interfaces and connectivity to automation platforms. Emulate3D supports the native import of numerous CAD formats, including AutoCAD, Creo Parametric, Inventor, Onshape, SolidWorks and SketchUp. Layers and structure trees are retained during import. The data can be updated so that no work is lost. The interfaces are partially associative. General import formats such as VRML and STEP round off the possible import formats.
A large number of interfaces are also available for virtual commissioning. These include interfaces such as TCP/IP, UDP, MQTT for connecting to higher-level control systems, direct interfaces for robot simulators, as well as extensive interfaces for connecting PLC controllers. Both hardware-in-the-loop and software-in-the-loop are supported. A wide range of coupling options are available for connecting to Siemens and Rockwell controllers, depending on requirements. There are also interfaces to Richtung, Beckhoff, OMRON, B&R and the OPC UA standard is also supported.
Innovative
New, promising technologies are quickly integrated by Emulate3D. For example, Emulate3D was one of the first programs for industrial digital twins to support virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). This support continues to this day, and numerous popular glasses are supported.
Meta Quest 3 (VR) and Microsoft HoloLens2 (AR)
In addition, Emulate3D already has an interface to NVIDIA Omniverse and can transfer models live to it. The standard software can also be seen as a development framework for custom solutions.
With TwinStudio, there is already a cloud-based (SAAS) Emulate3D that is integrated into the Rockwell Automation Factory Talk Hub. Billing is time-based. Even if many Emulate3D licenses are still running on premise today, it can be assumed that usage will continue to shift to the cloud.
New, promising technologies are quickly integrated by Emulate3D. For example, Emulate3D was one of the first programs for industrial digital twins to support virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). This support continues to this day, and numerous popular glasses are supported.