Insights from RapidLaunch with FactoryTalk® Optix™ and Emulate3D®
Smart, Scalable solutions
In a recent webinar, we discussed the seven key areas of value to minimizing launch risks, and we explained the tools that Rockwell Automation has in its portfolio for implementing those seven areas. To clarify, the seven key areas we’ve identified, and that can benefit from the right tools to minimize launch risk are:
- Digital engineering and emulation software
- Manufacturing networks and cybersecurity
- Manufacturing software and analytics (MES, IoT)
- Facilities management control systems
- Controls and automation platform
- Intelligent conveyance
- Optimization through engaging with our people and partners
How exactly do Rockwell Automation Solutions fit in, and how do they simplify the automotive launch process?
RapidLaunch
We developed RapidLaunch to provide a standardized production-ready platform for automotive brand owners, Tier suppliers, and machine builders for vehicle launches. A standardized approach reduces time to market. Automated workflows reduce errors and rework. Virtual commissioning allows you to test production code and ideas at every stage.
RapidLaunch integrates with your systems and starts with a solution library that houses applications, modular programming, and reusable code. This library is designed specifically for creating Optix and Logix applications, ensuring ease of integration and a configurable user experience when developing content for new machines or systems.
Big players in the automotive industry have adopted this framework, significantly reducing development time and effort. Think of it as receiving assembled blocks where one side fits seamlessly with Logix and the other with Optix—just plug them in. While some work is still required on each end, much of the heavy lifting has already been done for you.
FactoryTalk® Optix™
Part of the core software that RapidLaunch deploys on is FactoryTalk® Optix™, a new, open, scalable visualization platform. FactoryTalk® Optix™ is a new addition to our HMI portfolio and allows for a clear visual representation of what you’re doing. It’s more than a UI-building platform; it has extended the HMI feature set we’ve previously offered by incorporating modern technologies to empower your edge computing and data management initiatives.
With FactoryTalk® Optix™, you can design and test your HMI projects precisely as you imagined, making your vision clear to others. Create your application once and deploy it to any device. Style your HMI graphics for a global audience. Built from the ground up with OPC UA FactoryTalk® Optix™ is extensible.
Emulate3D®
Once your designs have reached a particular stage, rather than test them out on the factory floor, which could cost extra money from an already tight budget, use Emulate3D® to create a realistic digital twin. Test the code and logic before you deploy it to find where it might not work as well as planned. Make corrections before they can cause problems with production.
Putting it all together
These tools work seamlessly to optimize your automotive and EV facility. Rockwell Automation focuses on all seven key areas, working together and supported by RapidLaunch, giving you a lifecycle-managed controls specification.
By streamlining the processes involved in Automotive and EV production and the processes at tier suppliers, you reduce the critical time to start of production, ensuring you can meet customer demands on time.
To get the whole story, register for the on-demand webinar here.
