What’s the software designed for?
To configure, view and evaluate three dimensional simulation models of manufacturing production processes in a timely and cost effective manner. The benefit of which is:
• Fast layout configuration and optimization 
• Clear production process communications through interactive 3D simulation models
• Elimination of physical location as a factor in planning and decision making
• Reduced risk with production line walk-throughs to any identify trouble spots early 

How do you make new equipment components?
3D model data is imported directly from your CAD system using one of several CAD Add-ons. Tools in MotoVisual-Create are used to remove unwanted detail and do any geometry cleanup. The CAD model is then decomposed into sales parameter based parts to represent a product family with sales configuration options – such as the length, width and height of a conveyor. Suitable behaviors are selected from an existing library and a plug and play interface is defined. A visual component is geometry plus behavior plus the interface. Once created, it can be added to a library for distribution from a web page - for example.

What types of CAD data does MotoVisual accept?
MotoVisual products are CAD neutral, one layout can consist of many different CAD formats and we do not create any new CAD formats. 3DStudio and VRML2 files are a convenient format as they can have already predefined materials that give great model realism. Most CAD systems have an output format we can accept.

Can you get a Bill-of-Materials?
Yes, under the File menu Export option you can output a Bill-of-Materials. A BOM setup template lets you define the column order for the information, and an expression parser lets you apply formulas to the results in each column. The output file is a CSV (comma separated variable) file that can be read in by a spreadsheet program such as Excel. Is it possible to calculate the line cost? Prices for components can be made as a parameter for each component, and then exported as part of the information in a Bill-of-Materials. Different regional pricing schemes and potential access to pricing information complicates the component library so we suggest looking at using a spreadsheet program to combine pricing with our BOM output to calculate the overall line cost.

We use other simulation tools - how does this compare to Igrip/Quest - Robcad/EMPlant?
MotoVisual is based on the Visual Components product family and is far more cost effective due to increased usability, a price model similar to that of Solid Works/AutoCAD and usabililty that makes the software available to a large group of new users, sales people , marketing departments and application engineers – not just the simulation expert.  MotoVisual supports robot simulation and material flow simulation on the ONE platform unlike Delmia and UGS - this is the right way to do Digital Factory modeling and supports the Layout Proposal sales process where  robots and material handling are usually found together in most automation systems. 

How big are the files?
Layout files are configuration files and tend to be very small. A complex fully detailed layout is between 50 - 350kbytes. What type of computer do I need? Any modern computer with Windows 2000,  XP, or Vista can be used. For component modeling and large layout generation we would recommend a PC with a 2GB processor and an OpenGL graphics card with 2GB RAM.

Where can I get more equipment models?
On the Ecat tabbed panel, there is a Web Resources directory. This accesses the public libraries on Visual Components servers. You can go through this and find the existing equipment models.

Can I import models into MotoVisual-Layout?
Yes, you can drag and drop a VRML, 3DS file into the 3DWorld and a simple component will be gernerates. To add functionality you need to upgrade to MotoVisual-Create.

Can I create off-line programs with MotoVisual-Layout?
If you generate an accurate path then with the help of a Post-processor module that is located on the Teach Page, you can download a robot program.

Can I get accurate cycletimes?
If the equipment models are accurate, it is possible to get good cycletime estimates, but the models need to be tested for different process applications, and without a virtual controller, it is the responsibility of the end-user to validate their equipment models for the process application in mind.

Where do I order new Add-ons and upgrades from?
The simulation group at MOTOMAN Robotics Europe AB handles orders for new software.

Where do I get support?
The simulation group at MOTOMAN Robotics Europe AB handles all first line support.