INTERFACE FOR DATA EXCHANGE BETWEEN INDUSTRIAL CONTROLLERS AND SIMULATION APPLICATIONS FOR SIMULATING A MACHINE

摘要

Systems, methods, and software to facilitate simulating machines used in industrial automation are disclosed herein. In at least one implementation, an API is utilized to establish at least a communication link between a simulation model created in a simulation application and an industrial controller system outside of the simulation model, wherein the simulation model comprises definitions for a virtual representation of at least a portion of a machine used in an industrial automation environment. Data is then exchanged between the industrial controller system and the simulation model over the communication link.