Industrial engineers can not only design machines and processes more efficiently but also reimagine what’s possible in design projects using new additions to the Studio 5000 design software. Rockwell Automation has enhanced the software with two key updates.
The new Simulation Interface tool can transform how users design, test, validate and commission systems using digital engineering. The tool connects a system’s real or virtual controller to advanced simulation and modeling tools. Users can then simulate how products or processes with dynamic properties will behave in production.
By virtually designing, proving and adjusting systems, users can realize significant time and cost savings compared to physically building, testing and re-engineering systems. They can also test and push systems in ways that aren’t physically or financially feasible in a typical physical design environment.
The Simulation Interface tool uses the Functional Mock-Up Interface standard to facilitate connections to simulation models that also use the standard. Additionally, the tool connects natively to MATLAB Simulink for direct connections between a Logix program and a simulation model.
The Application Code Manager (ACM) tool has been updated to expand on its existing productivity benefits.
A new document template editor can save users time by automatically generating documentation for their projects. Users only need to create a template and placeholders for data, and ACM will then auto-populate the data when a project is completed.
A new import feature can also help users save time and reduce rework. ACM can now import information from the Integrated Architecture® Builder or Architect tools to automatically create a controller’s hardware I/O tree. This reduces duplicative work across design tools.
Published October 7, 2020
