Visual Components: 25 years of simulation and programming software innovation

With a long history in software development, Visual Components marks its 25th year of providing customers advanced 3D simulation and off-line robot programming (OLP) software. The company’s flexible and customizable solutions offer today’s manufacturers software for reimagining new and efficient manufacturing processes and systems. 

Founded by a team of simulation experts, Visual Components has maintained the goal of developing manufacturing design and simulation technology that is easy to use and accessible to organizations of all sizes. The company’s expertise in simulation, automation and Industry 4.0 has led to several innovations over the past 25 years, including its 3D product family, the launch of a next-generation OLP software and the development of a line of Industry 4.0 simulation solutions.

“We believe our software should be as easy as using an Excel spreadsheet for a customer’s engineering work,” says Scott Walter, one of the founders of Visual Components. “Even if people don’t use our software every day, when they do, they will intuitively remember how it works.”

With Visual Components simulation software, manufacturers can eliminate the guesswork when it comes to implementing new systems for improving output. Taking into account all potential variables, the software runs scenarios and identifies how a new process can be implemented while also being compatible for all departments.

Visual Components simulation software includes an extensive library of 3D models with more than 1,600 robots representing over 70 brands, and a wide range of conveyors, machines, resources, robot tools, factory facilities and more. The ready-made components allow manufacturers to design, build and simulate reimagined, more efficient production lines. A feasibility analysis feature identifies and resolves production issues in the virtual environment and provides vital data for all members of a production team.

Compatible with any industrial robot brand, process or complexity, Visual Components OLP robotic software ensures flexibility and seamless integration. The OLP software improves robot utilization rates with fast, accurate and error-free programing. Manufacturers decrease downtime because robots can continue working on the production floor while programmers update or re-program them from anywhere. Plus, the OLP software stores process knowledge, making it simple to reuse programs and preserve institutional information.

It has been almost a decade since Visual Components established itself at the leading edge of Industry 4.0 with a line of next-generation simulation products built on a new software architecture and platform. The Visual Components architecture takes advantage of modern computing power, with open APIs to facilitate easy customization and development of third-party applications.