Perfect match

Digital simulation used to be the preserve of the seriously well heeled — whether you were talking about complex CNC process simulation or factory simulation — but several developments have converged to bring affordable sophisticated factory simulation to SMEs.

Like most recent developments everything seems to hinge around Microsoft, and the software giant recently announced a significant robotics initiative. While this attempts to introduce a common standard to robotics, it has ramifications for factory simulation for layouts, assembly cells or lines, and robot systems.

The announcement included a link to the AGEIA PhysX physics accelerator. To date, this has been mainly used in the gaming market, making 'game play' simulation more sophisticated. It has modules for Rigid Body Physics, which makes collisions look realistic, as well as for fluid and cloth simulation and particle effects for explosions and smoke.

Engineering consultant

has been working independently of Microsoft for the past few months putting the accelerator to use in the industrial field. AMTRI is recognised by AGEIA, the developer of the PhysX Accelerator and SDK (Software Development Kit), as an official developer.