New tool provides 3-D visualizations for simulation-based testing on common automation platforms 

Waterloo, Canada; July 28, 2020: Maplesoft™ announced the release of MapleSim™ Insight, a new software product from Maplesoft that gives machine builders powerful, simulation-based debugging and 3-D visualization capabilities that directly connect to their automation tools. As a result, engineers can perform simulation-based testing of their controller easily and efficiently.

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.

For more information, visit www.maplesoft.com. 

Maplesoft is the leading provider of high-performance software tools for engineering, science, and mathematics. Maplesoft Engineering Solutions provide advanced tools and services for system simulation, calculation management, and systems engineering, helping organizations maximize the power of their engineering knowledge so they can complete their projects quickly and successfully. The Maplesoft product suite includes Maple™, for technical computing and calculation management, MapleSim™, the advanced system-level modeling and simulation tool, and MapleMBSE, which supports a model based systems engineering approach to requirements management. Maplesoft products and services are used in machine design, robotics, aerospace, automotive, industrial automation, and many other fields where engineers face complex challenges. Key applications include the creation of digital twins, dynamic analysis of mechanisms, battery systems modeling, heat transfer modeling, and bus fleet electrification. Customers include Boeing, FLSmidth, Ford, Google, Intel, NASA, and Samsung.

Maplesoft is a subsidiary of Cybernet Systems Group. To learn more about Maplesoft, please visit www.maplesoft.com.