Siemens has introduced artificial intelligence enhancements to its Simcenter Testlab software, aiming to transform the efficiency and quality of physical modal testing and analysis processes for engineering teams.
The new version of Simcenter Testlab brings AI-assisted automation across multiple physical testing workflows. These updates are designed to allow engineers to execute tests with greater speed, improved data consistency, and earlier in the product lifecycle, potentially streamlining lab productivity and decision-making in engineering projects.
AI in modal analysis
Key additions in this update focus on modal analysis, a crucial process for understanding the vibration characteristics of mechanical structures. The AI-assisted capabilities automate complex tasks such as mode selection and validation. According to Siemens, this can make the modal analysis process up to seven times faster and allow what once required a team to be performed by just one operator.
With the introduction of intelligent sensor placement and automated hit selection, the software is able to monitor and assess the quality of impact measurements in real time. This shifts the traditionally manual, repetitive, and error-prone task of one-by-one impact data verification to an automated process. As a result, engineers can concentrate on analysis and interpretation rather than data collection logistics.
Jean-Claude Ercolanelli, Senior Vice President, Simulation and Test Solutions at Siemens Digital Industries Software, highlighted the company's aims with the latest release:
"Siemens consistently delivers on its commitment to leveraging AI to streamline processes and workflows, minimize manual tasks, and accelerate time to market throughout the engineering lifecycle. The latest enhancements in Simcenter Testlab illustrate our approach to integrating AI in order to transform how teams conduct, manage, and interpret physical testing. We are leading a significant shift in engineering practices, from design and development through to the essential stages of physical testing."
Updates to transfer path analysis
The update also introduces new automation features for transfer path analysis (TPA), a method used to predict noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) transmission in product assemblies. The automated data preparation sequence cuts the end-to-end TPA process time by up to 40%, from the early data collection stages to the calculation of principal components.
According to Siemens, this improvement simplifies the workflow so that even less experienced users can carry out complex NVH predictions and reduce data comparison time by up to 30%. The company notes that these changes make advanced vibration analysis more accessible across engineering teams.
ISO 20270-compliant model extraction
Another highlight in the release is a first-to-market solution for automated component model extraction that complies with ISO 20270 standards. Using the updated Simcenter testing hardware and Simcenter Testlab Automated Component Model Extractor software, engineers can now perform automated measurement and calculation of blocked forces on component test benches. This is intended to compress the timeline for component characterisation from weeks to just hours, a significant reduction for teams working under tight development schedules.
Workflow integration and data handling
The release also features updates to test data management and validation tools. Simcenter Testlab Schedule Designer enables predefined sequences for data processing and validation, supporting complete traceability and minimising risks of data inconsistency or omission.
Simcenter Testlab also introduces seamless integration with Simcenter SCADAS RS hardware. Users can transfer test plans directly to SCADAS RS, allowing operators to receive instructions via a wireless tablet-based system, which supports immediate data validation and reduces the risk of manual errors. Additionally, operators can now combine SCADAS RS with other Simcenter SCADAS devices to increase channel counts or extend capabilities of existing investments.
In line with Siemens' approach to open systems, the latest version of Simcenter SCADAS RS supports data export in universal or third-party formats. This flexibility allows engineering teams to process and analyse data in other software environments if required, supporting integration into wider digital engineering ecosystems.
The recent updates to Simcenter Testlab underscore the increasing role of AI-driven automation in engineering test environments, highlighting potential changes in how teams approach physical testing, analysis and data management across industries.
