An open platform is the foundation of the digital twin: only when all engineering-relevant technologies – from CAD and EPLAN to PLC, robotics, Omniverse and AI – are seamlessly connected and coupled can real value be created. This is exactly where iPhysics comes in. The platform brings entire machines and plants to life virtually – long before they exist physically – and lays the groundwork for efficient, safe and flexible development processes.
Interoperability as a Must-Have; Not an Option
In today’s automation landscape, interoperability is not a luxury – it’s a necessity. Production systems no longer consist of components from just one vendor. Instead, Siemens controllers, Beckhoff drives, third-party sensors and specialized software solutions coexist side by side. To ensure smooth interaction, one thing is essential: an open communication architecture.
iPhysics: The Bridge Between Virtual and Real Automation
As a platform for digital twins and virtual commissioning, iPhysics sets the standard. It doesn’t just “speak” one language – it speaks several at once, reliably and in real time.
With iPhysics, companies can digitally design, test and optimize their machines and systems – long before physical hardware is available. At the core lies the digital twin, which accurately mirrors the real system including its control logic.
Two Worlds, Two Protocols: Siemens and Beckhoff
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Siemens (S7, TIA Portal) traditionally uses the S7 communication protocol (S7 TCP/IP) or OPC UA for data exchange between controllers and external systems.
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Beckhoff (TwinCAT), on the other hand, often relies on ADS (Automation Device Specification) for direct, high-performance access to variables and control logic.
Both worlds are valid – but they don’t natively talk to each other. This is where iPhysics comes into play.
The Challenge: Two Systems, One Digital Twin
In many real-world scenarios, machines rely on multiple control systems simultaneously – for example, when a production line is managed by Siemens, while a Beckhoff system controls a parallel station or a robot.
For many simulation tools, this becomes a challenge: they either support only one protocol or require costly custom integration.
iPhysics solves this problem systematically. The software is designed to communicate with different controllers from different vendors – in parallel, in real time, and without detours.
The Solution: Open Architecture Meets Targeted Integration
Thanks to its open, modular architecture, iPhysics supports multiple industrial standards. With native drivers for S7 and ADS, plus OPC UA as a platform-independent bridge, iPhysics can connect directly to both Siemens and Beckhoff controllers. Each connection can be configured independently and used simultaneously.
A practical example: in one simulation project, a conveyor system runs on a Siemens PLC, while a pick-and-place robot is controlled by Beckhoff technology. iPhysics links both controllers in parallel, synchronizes their processes within the digital twin, and enables accurate end-to-end testing.
The Advantage: Flexibility and Investment Security
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Vendor independence and smooth integration into heterogeneous plant structures
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Modular scalability: new controllers and protocols can be added without rebuilding the system
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Future-proof thanks to open standards such as OPC UA
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Realistic digital twins through integration with CAD, EPLAN, robotics, Omniverse and AI
Conclusion: Openness as the Key
iPhysics demonstrates how modern simulation platforms can bridge different automation worlds. The ability to communicate with Siemens and Beckhoff at the same time is not just a technical feature – it’s a decisive advantage for companies seeking flexibility, speed and efficiency.
In the end, it’s not about which control system is used – but about how well all systems work together. And that’s exactly what iPhysics delivers: a common language for the automation of tomorrow.
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Links to the website
General link:
Learn more about iPhysics and our virtual commissioning solutions on our website: www.machineering.com.
Directly to the product page:
Discover iPhysics – your solution for cloud-based simulation: www.machineering.com/en/products/iphysics
Contact page:
Do you have any questions? Contact us for more information: www.machineering.com/en/contact
Overview of VIBN:
Find out more about virtual commissioning and its benefits here www.machineering.com/en/virtual-commissioning
