Key Takeaways
- Siemens Simcenter Testlab Neo integrates structural‑dynamics, NVH, AI‑ready data prep, and shock‑vibration test setup in a single UI.
- Reported workflow‑time reductions: ‑35 % for structural‑dynamics processes and ‑60 % faster NVH virtual‑prototype evaluation.
- New annotation and automation tools enable rapid creation of AI‑training datasets with built‑in test‑context metadata.
- Unified hardware support (Simcenter SCADAS, shaker acquisition, real‑time visual feedback) lowers setup error rates for users of any skill level.
Siemens Refreshes Simcenter Testlab for End‑to‑End Automated Testing
Siemens has launched a major upgrade to its Simcenter Testlab platform, now branded Simcenter Testlab Neo. The suite bundles test execution, data‑management, and engineering analysis for structural dynamics, system noise‑vibration‑harshness (NVH), and shock‑vibration validation. By embedding AI‑ready data preparation directly into the test flow, the software aims to cut manual effort, enforce repeatable procedures, and surface engineering insights earlier in the product‑development cycle.
Structural‑Dynamics & System‑NVH Workflows
The Neo release finalises the migration from legacy Testlab modules to a fully integrated workflow engine. Engineers can launch a structural‑dynamics test, configure shaker parameters, and monitor real‑time acquisition from a single screen. The workflow logic enforces standard operating steps, making it usable by seasoned test engineers and newcomers alike.
- Efficiency gain: Siemens cites up to 35 % less time spent on set‑up, calibration, and data post‑processing for structural‑dynamics jobs.
- NVH acceleration: The new virtual‑prototype NVH prediction chain merges component‑level characterisation with system‑level simulation, delivering performance estimates up to 60 % faster than traditional physical‑prototype cycles.
A central visual cue shows shaker‑acquisition health, while Simcenter SCADAS hardware is automatically recognised, eliminating manual driver configuration.
AI‑Ready Data Preparation
Data for machine‑learning models traditionally required separate extraction, cleaning, and labelling steps. Simcenter Testlab Neo now unifies acquisition, analysis, and management:
| Feature | Legacy Testlab | Simcenter Testlab Neo |
|---|---|---|
| Data capture | Separate DAQ software | Integrated acquisition panel |
| Annotation | Manual CSV tagging | Context‑aware auto‑annotation (test‑type, sensor‑layout, load‑step) |
| Automation | Script‑only (Python, LabVIEW) | Drag‑and‑drop workflow builder with pre‑built AI‑prep modules |
| Dataset export | Limited formats (TXT, CSV) | Direct export to TFRecord, Parquet, and ONNX‑compatible packages |
| Time to AI‑ready set | 2–3 days per test campaign | < 8 hours (≈ 70 % reduction) |
These tools let engineers generate structured datasets—complete with metadata such as temperature, excitation frequency, and fixture geometry—ready for supervised‑learning pipelines without leaving the Testlab environment.
Unified Hardware & Real‑Time Feedback
Neo consolidates all Simcenter hardware drivers (SCADAS, piezo‑shakers, accelerometer arrays) under a single “Plug‑and‑Play” layer. Real‑time visual feedback displays frequency spectra, RMS levels, and phase alignment as the test runs, helping operators correct mis‑alignments on the fly. Early field trials report a 25 % drop in setup‑error incidents compared with the previous version.
Bottom Line
Siemens’ Simcenter Testlab Neo delivers a tightly coupled, automation‑first testing ecosystem that slashes manual effort, speeds NVH virtual validation by up to 60 %, and equips engineers with AI‑ready datasets in a fraction of the traditional time. The unified hardware interface and real‑time visual diagnostics further lower the barrier to high‑quality data capture, making the platform a compelling choice for OEMs seeking faster, more reliable validation cycles.