The trend towards mechatronical systems increases Design complexity dramatically and also forces different design groups to work closer together. In a mechatronical system every decision made has a ripple effect throughout the design. If the mechanical team decides to change the material and therefore the weight of a mechanical component it has an influence on the motor sizing or sometimes even on the type of motor needed to efficiently operate the machine. Switching from a Stepper motor to a Servo motor significantly increases the complexity of the control algorithm and the requirements concerning the system performance of the embedded system processing the algorithm. Improving team communication and collaboration between Mechanical Engineers , Electrical and Control Engineers is crucial and tools that offer seamless integration and help them share data and information throughout all phases of the development cycle enables vivid collaboration and exchange of information.

Quintessentially thos e tools allow the implementation of a virtual prototype (also known as digital prototype) that combines simulations from all different domains; a single model to simulate the complete machine or device. Designers can simulate mechanical dynamics, including mass and friction effects, cycle times, and individual component performance before specifying a single physical part. A virtual prototype offers the ability to visualize and optimize the design and evaluate different design studies and concepts before incurring the cost of physical prototypes . A mechatronics-based approach lowers the risks associated with machine design, speeds the design process, improves understanding of customer requirements, and streamlines debugging. The mechatronics approach helps machines builders getting it right the first time.

From a business perspective a virtual prototype adds a lot off value to the design phase and supports the sales department in the communication with potential customers throughout the selling process . A virtual prototype can support you win business and successful execute your projects.

Within the Quoting phase a virtual prototype helps defining the requirements and checking with the customer if you understood his needs correctly. It offers the possibility to s how design features and explain the value. It helps uncovering the unknowns within a project and measure risks. Even in the after sales process a virtual prototype can helpful to work on improvements, test upgrades you want to add to machines that are already deployed or support the customer with problems he runs into during operation.