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realvirtual.io realvirtual v6.5.4

The Workflow

realvirtual follows one workflow: you build the twin once, then use it for the use case you need. Everything else in this documentation supports one of these steps.

1. Build the twin

Section titled “1. Build the twin”

The Editor turns CAD data into a digital twin that moves.

StepWhat happensDetails
Import CADImport STEP or JT assemblies in the browser; realvirtual CONNECT converts large filesImporting CAD
Structure and materialsClean up the CAD tree, merge parts, assign industrial materialsMesh and Structure, Materials
Kinematics and drivesAxes, drives, sensors, transport surfaces, grippers — the parts that move and reactQuick Edit Reference, Components
Signals and logicPLC signals, and logic steps or a Structured Text program that run the twin on its ownSignals and Logic
Prepare for layout planningFloor, pivot and snap points, so the asset can be placed and connected in a layoutPreparing for Layout Planning

Your First Twin from CAD walks through a first asset step by step. Twins built with realvirtual for Unity arrive as a finished GLB and skip this step.

2. Choose the use case

Section titled “2. Choose the use case”

The same twin serves different use cases. Each adds its own functions:

One twin, four uses Build the twin once in the Editor: Import CAD, Structure and materials, Kinematics and drives, Signals and logic, then Prepare for layout planning. Import STEP or JT in the browser; realvirtual CONNECT converts large files. Save the twin as a GLB. Twins from realvirtual for Unity skip the Editor steps and join at the GLB. The same GLB branches to Layout Planning, Virtual Commissioning, Discrete Event Simulation and Machine Information System (3D HMI). A real or simulated PLC exchanges live controller data through realvirtual CONNECT with Virtual Commissioning and Machine Information System (3D HMI). One twin, four uses 1. Build the twin · Editor · once Import CAD STEP / JT in the browser large files: realvirtual CONNECT ↓ Structure and materials ↓ Kinematics and drives ↓ Signals and logic ↓ Prepare for layout planning GLB realvirtual for Unity finished GLB · skips step 1 2. Choose the use case Layout Planning assets from libraries · snap points Virtual Commissioning real or simulated PLC Discrete Event Simulation throughput, utilisation; faster than real time Machine Information System (3D HMI) live signals, alarms, documents, AI diagnosis real or simulated PLC realvirtual CONNECT live controller data
You build the twin once and save it as a GLB, then choose its use case. realvirtual CONNECT links the PLC to Virtual Commissioning and Machine Information System (3D HMI).
Use caseWhat it adds
Layout PlanningArrange assets from libraries into lines and cells, connected by snap points
Virtual CommissioningConnect the twin to a real or simulated PLC through realvirtual CONNECT and test the PLC program against it
Discrete Event SimulationAnalyse throughput and utilisation of the material flow, faster than real time
Machine Information System (3D HMI)Operate and monitor the machine with live signals, alarms, documents and AI diagnosis

Which of the remaining topics you need depends on the use case: the Viewer for documents and sharing, realvirtual CONNECT for live controller data, and Hosting & Operations for delivering the twin.

See also

Section titled “See also”
  • What You Get — which parts are open source and which are commercial
  • Demo Models — finished twins to try each use case