German technology firm Siemens has claimed that, for the first time ever, an industrial product has been certified for use in the US after simulated testing through digital-twin technology.
After simulated testing, the simulation was then verified and validated with physical testing.
The two companies have said this is a global first in a national safety-certification process.
The project was a collaboration between Siemens and UL Solutions, a specialist in applied safety science.
According to a Siemens spokesperson, this “marks a step forward into a future in which digital twins and the industrial metaverse streamlines product development, enhances innovation, safety and accelerates time-to-market”.
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Cedrik Neike, CEO of Digital Industries and managing board member at Siemens, said: “Siemens’ digital twin technology is rewriting the rules of innovation. This collaborative effort with UL Solutions is a testament to our dedication to a future in which innovation knows no bounds.
“It invites industries and innovators alike to explore the limitless possibilities that comprehensive digital twins offer for shaping the future of product development.”
Traditional product certification requires extensive physical testing, which often subjects a single product to a broad range of assessments.
Using digital twins can address the cost factor of test units and certified laboratories when high power electronics components are involved, Siemens has said.
This is because, through use of simulation, a product may not need to undergo every test physically.
Other benefits the pair hope to unlock include reduced costs, accelerated time-to-market and streamlined integration of digital modelling tools.
“UL Solutions has always been at the forefront of advancing safety science. Our collaboration with Siemens in this transformative journey represents a significant shift in the certification paradigm,” Jennifer Scanlon, president and CEO of UL Solutions, added.
“The certification process relies on physical testing. Now, digital simulations integrated with traditional methodologies can redefine how our customers approach testing and certification and open new avenues for precision and efficiency. UL Solutions is proud to be part of this revolutionary leap.”
Siemens will be exhibiting at Stand 702 at Robotics & Automation Exhibition 2024. The latest developments in robotics and automated technologies will be on show at this event, which will be held on 19-20 March 2024 at the NEC Birmingham. Register now to attend the UK’s biggest exhibition dedicated to robotics and automation!
