Simulation-based testing of machine control strategies is a key element of virtual prototyping and using digital twins for virtual commissioning. However, this step can be cumbersome, as many automation tools provide limited options for machine-level, simulation-based controller testing, and these options often require moving development to an entirely new platform. By providing a real-time connection to most common automation platforms, MapleSim Insight shows machine designers exactly how their control strategies will impact the machine. Adjustments and fine-tuning of the design can happen virtually, reducing the number of expensive physical prototypes that will be required.
MapleSim Insight works with any automation tool that supports compiled Function Mock-up Units (FMUs), such as the Rockwell Studio 5000® Environment or MathWorks® Simulink®. The machine model is first developed in MapleSim, the advanced system-level modeling tool from Maplesoft, and then exported as an FMU, an open standard format for sharing models. MapleSim Insight connects to the automation tool, and displays visual results in real-time to show how the model behaves as the controller is running. MapleSim Insight provides both 3-D visualizations for quick visual feedback, and 2-D plots to get precise answers for testing and debugging, so the engineer can always get the level of detail required.
“Digital models are invaluable for the design and testing of a system, acting as a virtual test bench for the machine’s control software. But hooking the model into your preferred controller platform can be very difficult, and often one of the critical pieces for debugging – the visualization of the mechanism itself – is lost,” said Chad Schmitke, Senior Director, Product Development, Maplesoft. “Now, with MapleSim Insight, visualizing and interrogating your model is as simple as running an FMU in your preferred automation environment. You get the robust back-end code to emulate the physics, coupled with the plotting and visualization necessary to interpret what is happening. ”
MapleSim Insight is part of the MapleSim family of modeling and simulation products from Maplesoft. The newly released MapleSim 2020 lets you build and test models more quickly than ever, providing faster simulations, powerful new tools for machine builders, and expanded modeling capabilities. The MapleSim 2020 product family also includes the new MapleSim Ropes and Pulleys Library add-on, which allows engineers to easily incorporate winch and pulley systems in their machine models.
