Emulate3D
Emulate3D develops Dynamic Digital Twin software for virtual commissioning, throughput simulation, and PLC controls testing in industrial automation. Acquired by Rockwell Automation in 2019, it serves system integrators, machine builders, and material handling equipment manufacturers globally.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2004
- HeadquartersReading, United Kingdom
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingSoftware
What Emulate3D does
Emulate3D develops Dynamic Digital Twin software that enables virtual commissioning, throughput simulation, and industrial demonstration for automated material handling systems. The company's product suite includes Emulate3D Ultimate (controls testing and PLC emulation), Sim3D (throughput and bottleneck analysis), Demo3D (rapid prototyping and sales demonstration models), Layout3D (industrial layout modeling), and the CiTM (CAD is The Model) add-on, which allows machine builders to create controls-ready models directly within PTC Creo, SOLIDWORKS, and Autodesk Inventor. The platform natively connects to a broad range of PLCs including Allen Bradley, Siemens, Mitsubishi, Beckhoff, Omron, and Schneider Electric via industrial protocols, and supports WMS, WCS, and ERP integration for higher-level emulation scenarios. Underlying technology runs on 64-bit Windows 11 with support for over 40 CAD formats and VR/AR/MR visualization across devices including Hololens, HTC Vive, and Oculus Rift.
Emulate3D operates as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Rockwell Automation (NYSE: ROK), acquired in January 2019, and serves system designers, integrators, and equipment manufacturers across material handling, baggage handling, warehouse automation, automotive, and logistics sectors. Named enterprise customers include KUKA, Daifuku Webb, Dematic, Intralox, Retrotech, United Sortation Solutions (a Honeywell Intelligrated company), and Swedish Post. The company maintains offices in Reading, UK, and Milwaukee (at Rockwell's US headquarters), and distributes through a network of regional partners across Europe and Asia-Pacific. Revenue is generated via software licensing (quote-based enterprise sales), paid training workshops ($299/seat), and consulting services, with a try-before-you-buy evaluation model built around the online workshop and 30-day evaluation licenses.
Emulate3D firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Emulate3D
- Legal name
- Emulate3D Ltd.
- Website
- https://demo3d.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2004
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Emulate3D develops Dynamic Digital Twin software for virtual commissioning, throughput simulation, and PLC controls testing in industrial automation. Acquired by Rockwell Automation in 2019, it serves system integrators, machine builders, and material handling equipment manufacturers globally.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Emulate3D industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Industrial Automation Simulation Software
- NAICS
- Industrial Design Services (541420)
- SIC
- Services-Prepackaged Software (7372)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Digital Twins & Scenario-Based Systems Training (Equipment/Process Simulators) (EDAFAJAJ)
Keywords
Where Emulate3D is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Reading
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices2 records
Markets served
Emulate3D business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Software
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Software Licenses: Emulate3D products (Ultimate, Simulator, Demonstrator, Layout, CiTM) are sold as software licenses. The company offers 30-day licenses for evaluation and presumably longer-term licenses for ongoing use.
- Professional Services - Training: Online introductory workshops at $299/seat provide training and evaluation support. Additional training paths available through the online Web Store for existing users.
- Consulting Services: Consulting services available for first-model assistance and in-house equipment catalog creation guidance through trusted partners.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | One-time | Online Introductory Workshop |
| Subscription | Monthly | Full Emulate3D Ultimate License |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels7 records
Emulate3D product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Emulate3D develops Dynamic Digital Twin software that enables virtual commissioning, throughput simulation, and industrial demonstration for automated material handling systems. Its product suite (Emulate3D Ultimate, Sim3D, Demo3D, Layout3D, and CiTM for Machine Builders) combines mechanical CAD information with real PLC control system logic to test, validate, and visualize automation projects offline before physical implementation. The software serves system designers, integrators, machine builders, and OEMs in warehouses, manufacturing, distribution, and baggage handling industries.
Product overview
Emulate3D is a suite of Dynamic Digital Twin software products for virtual commissioning, throughput simulation, and industrial demonstration. The portfolio consists of four core products: Emulate3D Ultimate (controls testing and virtual commissioning), Demo3D (system prototyping and rapid model building), Sim3D (throughput simulation and analysis), and Layout3D (rapid industrial layout modeling). The CiTM (CAD is The Model) add-on module enables machine builders to create virtual commissioning models directly within PTC Creo, SOLIDWORKS, and Autodesk Inventor. All products share a common framework allowing models built in one product to be opened and modified in others—for example, a Layout3D model can progress to Demo3D for prototyping, then Sim3D for throughput analysis, and finally Ultimate for controls testing. The technology reduces risks associated with automation investments by enabling testing before physical implementation.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Emulate3D Ultimate: Controls testing and emulation software for testing control system operational logic
- Emulate3D Simulator (Sim3D)
- Emulate3D Demonstrator (Demo3D)
- Emulate3D Layout (Layout3D)
- Emulate3D CiTM for Machine Builders
Products and services
- Emulate3D Ultimate Primary platform for virtual commissioning and controls testing that enables engineers to develop, test, and produce robust PLC and mid-level control systems offline before physical implementation. Used by automation system designers, integrators, and operators.
- Demo3D (Demonstrator) Rapid prototyping and demonstration model building tool that creates accurate 3D demonstration models, CAD layouts, and bills of materials using plug-and-play catalog elements, with VR/AR support for client presentations. Used by sales teams and solution providers for proposals and client engagement.
- Layout3D Rapid industrial layout modeling tool that creates accurate 3D layouts of automation equipment including production lines, warehouses, distribution centers, and baggage handling systems using drag-and-drop catalogs and parameter-driven objects. Used by system designers and planners.
- Sim3D (Simulator) Throughput simulation and analysis software that identifies system bottlenecks, dimensions layouts accurately, and tests operational modes via what-if scenario analysis. Used by automation project developers to make better-informed system design decisions.
- CiTM for Machine Builders (CAD is The Model) Virtual commissioning module for machine builders that creates controls testing-ready models directly within PTC Creo, SOLIDWORKS, and Autodesk Inventor CAD systems, enabling debugging and refinement of kinematic sequences and timing in a virtual environment before physical prototyping.
- Emulate3D Online Introductory Workshop 5-day online introductory workshop priced at $299 per seat that delivers interactive training on Emulate3D technology, includes a 30-day evaluation license of Emulate3D Ultimate, live trainer sessions, recorded video downloads, and assessed assignments. Designed as a try-before-you-buy evaluation tool for prospective customers.
Quantifiable outcome
- Shortens project's critical path with virtual commissioning
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Emulate3D
Customer profileNamed customers10 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Emulate3D technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration22 records
Feature10 records
Emulate3D partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- PTCcoreEmulate3D is an Authorized PTC Development Partner. The CAD is The Model feature is implemented in PTC Creo, allowing users to create controls testing models directly within the Creo CAD environment.
- AutodeskcoreEmulate3D products feature Autodesk RealDWG technology. The CAD is The Model feature is implemented in Autodesk Inventor. Supports DWG and DXF file formats through RealDWG integration.
- SOLIDWORKS (Dassault Systèmes)coreEmulate3D is a SOLIDWORKS Authorized Development Partner. CAD is The Model is available as a SOLIDWORKS Add-in which outputs suitably marked-up CAD as Virtual Commissioning models connected to PLCs.
- Hub PerformanceminorAuthorized distributor for France and Belgium. Contact: Jacques Natchia, Tel: +33 1 85 49 03 40.
- Glenvern Group Pty. Ltd.minorAuthorized distributor for Australasia. Contact: Alec Poulton, Mob: +61 409 197 853.
- Simplan Integrations GmbHminorAuthorized distributor for Germany, Austria, and Holland. Tel: +49 2302 20297 14.
- AutoLogic Systems LtdminorAuthorized distributor for United Kingdom. Tel: +44 1844 281380.
- DijitalisminorAuthorized distributor for Turkey. Tel: +90 216 384 92 94.
- SCA Inc.minorAuthorized distributor for South Korea. Tel: +82 2 3281 5222.
- Itage Ltd.minorAuthorized distributor for Japan. Tel: +81 52 269 3101.
- Invesyde Control y Automatizacion S.L.minorAuthorized distributor for Spain. Tel: +34 91 739 52 57.
- ProjectBinder ApSminorAuthorized distributor for Denmark. Located at Klausdalsbrovej 601, 2750 Ballerup.
- TechTribe ABminorAuthorized distributor for Sweden. Located at Södra Långebergsgatan 30, 436 32 Askim.
Scale indicators2 records
Recent moves5 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Emulate3D competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Siemens (Tecnomatix / Plant Simulation): Siemens' Tecnomatix portfolio, including Plant Simulation, is the most direct competitor: it provides digital-twin-based manufacturing and material handling simulation with native PLC connectivity to Siemens controllers, mirroring Emulate3D's value proposition to industrial automation buyers.
- Dassault Systèmes (3DEXPERIENCE / DELMIA): DELMIA on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform offers digital manufacturing, virtual commissioning, and robotics simulation across the same buyer segments Emulate3D serves, and is bundled with Dassault's CATIA/SOLIDWORKS CAD base.
- ABB (RobotStudio): ABB's RobotStudio provides virtual commissioning and offline programming for robotic automation cells, directly overlapping Emulate3D's virtual commissioning use cases for OEMs like KUKA in automotive and material handling.
- Visual Components: Visual Components delivers 3D simulation software for manufacturing and material handling layout, throughput analysis, and sales demonstrations—a near-identical product profile to Emulate3D's Sim3D and Demo3D products.
- FlexSim: FlexSim provides 3D simulation and digital twin software for manufacturing, warehousing, and logistics, competing with Emulate3D's throughput simulation and layout products in distribution and material handling use cases.
- AnyLogic: AnyLogic is a multi-method simulation platform widely used for manufacturing, logistics, and warehouse digital-twin projects, providing a competing alternative for Emulate3D's throughput and process simulation workflows.
Broad incumbents
- PTC (Arena PLM / Creo Simulation): PTC is both a CAD integration partner (Creo) and a broad PLM/digital-thread incumbent whose Creo Simulation and related offerings touch manufacturing digital twins, making it an adjacent incumbent that competes in some bid lists.
- Honeywell Forge (Movilizer / Connected Worker): Honeywell's industrial software portfolio targets the same warehouse, distribution, and material handling automation buyers served by Emulate3D's customers (e.g., United Sortation Solutions), and competes for digital transformation budgets.
- Autodesk (Inventor + Fusion simulation tools): Autodesk is both a CiTM integration partner and a broad incumbent in CAD/simulation; its Inventor and broader design suite embed simulation features that overlap with Emulate3D's downstream analysis use cases.
Others
- Rockwell Automation (FactoryTalk / Arena): Rockwell is Emulate3D's parent and broader industrial automation platform; while internal rather than external, the FactoryTalk/Arena ecosystem competes for the same digital-twin and simulation budget pools that Emulate3D addresses.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Emulate3D social profiles
Digital presenceEmulate3D financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Emulate3D leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
Emulate3D funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Emulate3D M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Emulate3D
What does Emulate3D do?
Emulate3D develops Dynamic Digital Twin software that enables virtual commissioning, throughput simulation, and industrial demonstration for automated material handling systems. Its product suite (Emulate3D Ultimate, Sim3D, Demo3D, Layout3D, and CiTM for Machine Builders) combines mechanical CAD information with real PLC control system logic to test, validate, and visualize automation projects offline before physical implementation. The software serves system designers, integrators, machine builders, and OEMs in warehouses, manufacturing, distribution, and baggage handling industries.
Is Emulate3D a public or private company?
Emulate3D is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was Emulate3D founded?
Emulate3D was founded in 2004. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Emulate3D based?
Emulate3D is headquartered in Reading, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does Emulate3D make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Software Licenses are the primary driver. The others are professional Services - Training and consulting Services.
Who are Emulate3D's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Siemens (Tecnomatix / Plant Simulation), Dassault Systèmes (3DEXPERIENCE / DELMIA), ABB (RobotStudio), Visual Components, FlexSim and AnyLogic. Broad incumbents are PTC (Arena PLM / Creo Simulation), Honeywell Forge (Movilizer / Connected Worker) and Autodesk (Inventor + Fusion simulation tools). Rockwell Automation (FactoryTalk / Arena) is listed as an others.
Does Emulate3D have an API?
No public API is recorded for Emulate3D.
What industry is Emulate3D in?
Emulate3D's product category is Industrial Automation Simulation Software. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAFAJAJ, Digital Twins & Scenario-Based Systems Training (Equipment/Process Simulators). Its NAICS code is 541420 and its SIC code is 7372.