20-sim supports component based modelling. This is a modelling technique for physical systems that uses ports to connect components. Ports transfer energy from one component to the other and back. This allows us to create models by coupling individual components. We can for example connect a mass component to a spring damper component. The simulation will then show the emerging behaviour in the form of resonance. Port based model also allows us to verify that energy is conserved. With ports you therefore focus on the physics of a machine and this will result in simulation models that will mimic a real machine very well.

Real-Time

Our digital twins are simulation models that run in real-time. This means that when a simulation is carried out, it will advance with the actual time and can exchange data with external components such as a 3D animation or a PLC. Running in real time is important if you have humans in the loop or coupling models to PLCs. We have a lot of expertise in creating models that are physically accurate and yet capable of running in real-time. We use special order reduction methods to achieve this.

Validated Components

Controllab has developed simulation models for over 30 years. During this period we have performed measurements on many machines and components. We have used these measurements to verify our simulation models. Now we have a large library of validated machine component models. We use them to build digital twins that will mimic real machines very accurately and run in real-time.