Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to install anything?
When using ProtoTwin Motion or Simulate, you do not need to install any updates or dependencies since the software runs entirely inside your web browser. We provide two native applications:
- ProtoTwin Connect: connect to industrial PLCs for virtual commissioning and controls testing or to Python for machine learning.
- ProtoTwin Radiant: offline rendering for creating high quality realistic videos of your simulations.
Installing ProtoTwin Connect for PLC connectivity is required since web browsers restrict access to the local network for security reasons.
What are the hardware requirements?
Real-time simulation can be computationally demanding. Faster hardware will allow you to simulate larger models more easily in real-time. ProtoTwin supports all brands of CPUs and GPUs, including Intel, AMD and ARM processors. Please see the hardware requirements for further details.
How does performance compare to other software?
Even though ProtoTwin Simulate runs entirely inside your web browser, we exceed the performance of most native simulation software applications, including some AAA native game engines. ProtoTwin can handle over 100,000 scripted objects and over 10,000 dynamic rigid bodies in real-time on modern hardware.
Where can I learn how to use the software?
The best place to start is by going through the tutorials, which will cover all the fundamental concepts. You can also ask our AI assistant Torq for advice.
What programming language do you use for scripting?
TypeScript is used to create scripted components and tools inside the integrated script editor. IntelliSense and AI code auto-completion are supported, with all API functions documented. Our AI assistant Torq can also create scripted components for you to control industrial machines and robots.
Are educational licenses available?
Yes. ProtoTwin offers free licenses to schools, colleges and universities. You may also create an organization for your team and invite other members to join your organization, to create your own packages and collaborate more effectively together.
What level of support is included?
Our plans include support for any issues or bugs that you may come across. Our AI assistant Torq can provide fast answers to common questions. For issues that Torq can’t resolve, please ask a question on the community form or contact us directly. We can advise on best practices and can point you in the right direction if you’re unsure about how to model a certain aspect of your machine.
How can I control my machine?
Machines can be controlled using either the TypeScript API, the integrated SoftPLC, or by connecting ProtoTwin Connect to an external PLC.
Can ProtoTwin simulate robots?
ProtoTwin Simulate supports an integrated robot controller that can solve the inverse kinematics for any industrial robot. You can program robots easily through the UI, or create more advanced scripted programs. You can also ask our AI assistant Torq to help create scripted robot programs. The ProtoTwin Connect application includes a high-performance Python client that allows you to train machine learning models for controling robots using reinforcement learning.
What operating systems are supported?
You can run ProtoTwin Motion and Simulate on all major operating systems, including Windows, Mac OSX and Linux. You can install ProtoTwin Connect on Windows (x64 and arm64), MacOS (apple silicon) and Linux (x64).
How do I report an issue?
Please report any issues or bugs on our community forum. For all other enquiries, you can contact us directly.