Rockwell Automation has acquired Emulate3D, an innovative developer of engineering software that digitally simulates and emulates industrial automation systems. By using accurate simulation models to improve systems planning and decision-making, followed by emulation trials to test the control system before installation, the software enables customers to virtually test machine and system designs before incurring manufacturing and automation costs and committing to a final design.

“We are excited about the opportunities that Emulate3D’s software offers our customers,” says Fran Wlodarczyk, Rockwell Automation’s Senior Vice-President for its architecture and software segment. “They will have the ability to improve their time to market and operational productivity through digital machine prototyping and virtual commissioning. It also marks another investment by Rockwell Automation to bring the Connected Enterprise to life.”

Ian McGregor, Emulate3D’s Global Sales and Marketing Director, adds: “As a former Rockwell Automation Encompass partner, we established great working relationships with Rockwell Automation and its customers. We look forward to building on those relationships under our new ownership. Rockwell Automation’s installed base and our engineering software provides a great opportunity to better address customer needs in today’s rapidly changing, technologically-advanced manufacturing environment.”

Rockwell will add Emulate3D’s technology to its digital design portfolio to deliver solutions to automotive, logistics, materials handling and other industrial applications. It will be sold as part of Rockwell’s FactoryTalk design suite.