A new release from Visual Components now accepts data from 3D CAD for factory simulation, offering playlist libraries of robot models and components, and updated compatibility with Microsoft Vista.

The eCatalogue library used to select equipment components now features a similar concept to the playlists on your iPod. Using search and filter commands different component lists can be generated and selected for different types of layout projects.

The library itself boasts over 100 of the major robot models, material handling libraries, and streamlined tools to take 3D CAD data into realistic production scenarios.

Making better use of this data, it should also provide more effective when developing equipment control programmes. The Visual Components PLC Add-on, boasts increased speed for control engineers connecting their Programmable Logic Controller test benches.