Loupe, a cutting-edge automation software company founded in 2015, is revolutionizing the way digital twins are created and utilized in the manufacturing industry. The company leverages its expertise in control systems and robotics engineering to transform ordinary machines into extraordinary performers.
In a recent unveiling, Shane Reetz, an Automation Software Engineer at Loupe, showcased the company’s innovative approach to building digital twins. The showcase featured a simulated PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) running Loop’s control code, seamlessly integrated with an Nvidia Omniverse digital twin of a 4-axis knife grinding machine created by their partner, AMS.
“With this setup, we can start writing software and running it against the machine before any parts hit the floor,” Reetz explained. The digital twin allows Loupe to simulate CNC (Computer Numerical Control) programs, enabling real-time monitoring and adjustment of PLC variables, such as axis positions, with an impressive 20-millisecond response time.
Loupe’s approach extends beyond simulation. Reetz demonstrated the ease with which CNC programs could be edited directly on the simulated PLC, instantly reflecting the changes in the digital twin.
“I could just go in here and say change the feed rate, save, rerun it — it’s that easy,” he said.
The showcase also highlighted Loop’s ability to implement custom kinematics and inverse kinematics (IK) calculations, essential for programming complex machine movements. Reetz presented a move that demonstrated the coordination of multiple axes, precisely mimicking the real machine’s behavior.
Loupe’s digital twin capabilities go beyond mere visualization. The company starts each project by building a digital twin and PLC software architecture, proving out real programs on the virtual machine. When the hardware is ready, the software transition is often as simple as updating the IP address.
“We feel like this isn’t a nice-to-have, this is a core tool for us,” said Reetz. “The sooner we start proving out the machine software, the better it’s going to be.”
With its innovative approach to digital twins, Loupe is redefining the boundaries of automation software and empowering manufacturers to unlock new levels of efficiency and productivity.
