Interviewer: Dr. Wünsch, why are precise simulations so important in industrial automation?

Dr. Georg Wünsch: In industrial automation, simulations are crucial to ensure the efficiency and safety of projects. They enable us to simulate realistic conditions and identify potential problems before commissioning. At machineering, we have set ourselves the task of mapping drives and sensors as accurately as possible in order to exploit their full potential with our iPhysics simulation

Interviewer: What role do your machineering component models play in this?

Dr. Georg Wünsch: Our Machineering Component Models are specially developed to enable realistic simulations for drives and sensors. For example, we combine the axis and the motor into one model in our drive models. The kinematics model precisely determines the position and speed of the axis, which is particularly important for the control system. In addition, our communication model provides a reliable connection to the controller so that users can validate the controller code directly. This helps our customers to make decisions quickly and reliably.

Interviewer: What advantages do these component models offer your customers?

Dr. Georg Wünsch: The biggest advantage lies in the efficiency and the realistic representation. Our ProfiDrive models, for example, are immediately ready for use and standardized. They are ideal for projects where speed and precision are required. We also work closely with renowned manufacturers such as Siemens, Festo, Baumüller, Schunk and others. These models are all available in our machineering store. A machine builder can purchase the required components and test them directly in the iPhysics simulation. This increases the certainty that the system will also function perfectly in real operation later on.

Interviewer: How do your models differ from those of the drive manufacturers?

Dr. Georg Wünsch: That’s an interesting point. Models from drive manufacturers such as SEW or Rexroth offer an even higher level of detail. These so-called manufacturer models are particularly suitable for projects that require very precise simulation. For example, they have comprehensive communication models and real parameter files that can be loaded directly into the real drives. This enables them to reproduce reality almost perfectly.

Interviewer: What are the advantages of manufacturer models for end customers?

Dr. Georg Wünsch: Manufacturer models offer end customers an extremely detailed replica of the real drives, which significantly increases the accuracy of the simulations. This is particularly useful for feasibility studies and validations, as it enables well-founded decisions to be made. Customers can be sure that the simulated axis will behave in exactly the same way as the real axis – which simplifies the entire planning and implementation of projects.

Interviewer: Why does machineering offer its own component models if manufacturer models would be even better suited for simulation?

Dr. Georg Wünsch: There is a simple reason for this: many manufacturers do not yet recognize the importance of providing end customers with comprehensive simulation models of their components. Unfortunately, standardization in this area is not yet very advanced – a good example of this is the topic of FMU/FMI. As many manufacturers do not provide their own simulation models, we have simulated various components for our customers. Although these models are functional, they are not complete and are often tailored to a customer’s specific requirements. We would like to offer more, but this ultimately depends on the willingness of manufacturers to develop and release such models.

Interviewer: In the area of sensor technology, you mention individual solutions. Can you explain this in more detail?

Dr. Georg Wünsch: Yes, in the field of sensor technology, we offer a flexible communication model that can be adapted to the customer’s specific requirements. This means that we can develop customized solutions specifically for complex projects. This can sometimes make modeling more challenging, but we support our customers in achieving the best results. Our long-term goal is for manufacturers to make their own sensor simulations available in our Machineering Store to provide even more flexibility.

Interviewer: What about the availability and licensing of your models?

Dr. Georg Wünsch: The Machineering Component Model is available directly via the machineering Store and can be used immediately in the simulation.  For customers who opt for the iPhysics Component Library, these licenses are already included.

Interviewer: To conclude: What is your vision for the future?

Dr. Georg Wünsch: Our vision is for more manufacturers to make their complete component models available in the Machineering Store. This would give our customers the opportunity to test these models in the iPhysics simulation and then integrate them into real systems. This would not only increase the flexibility and precision of the simulations, but also optimize the entire development process in automation.

Interviewer: Thank you very much, Dr. Wünsch, for the informative interview.

Dr. Georg Wünsch: With pleasure!