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Model Import

Import CAD and URDF multibody models into the Simscape™ Multibody™ environment

Import a multibody model from a third-party application for simulation, design, and analysis tasks in the Simscape Multibody environment. You can import CAD and URDF models using the smimport function. You must export your CAD models in a valid XML format—one conforming to the Simscape Multibody XML schema—prior to import. The XML file is known as the multibody description file.

Use the Simscape Multibody Link plug-in to generate a valid multibody description file from SolidWorks®, Autodesk® Inventor®, or PTC® Creo™ software. Use the smexportonshape function to generate a valid multibody description file from an Onshape® web account. Part geometries are exported alongside the multibody description file as STEP or STL files.

Functions

smexportonshapeExport a CAD assembly model from Onshape cloud software
smimportImport a multibody model from a URDF or Simscape Multibody XML file

Topics

Desktop CAD Import

Install the Simscape Multibody Link Plug-In

Download and install the Simscape Multibody Link CAD export plug-in.

CAD Translation

Overview of CAD translation with emphasis on workflow, tools, and generated models.

Import a CAD Assembly Model

General steps for generating Simscape Multibody models from XML multibody description files.

Import a Robotic Arm CAD Model

Use the smimport function to generate a robotic arm model from a multibody description XML file.

Onshape CAD Import

Onshape Import

Overview of CAD import from Onshape software with emphasis on import workflow, tools, and user authentication.

Import an Onshape Humanoid Model

Export a humanoid robot from Onshape software and import it into Simscape Multibody software.

URDF Import

URDF Primer

Learn about the URDF specification popular in the robotics community and create a simple URDF model for later import into the Simscape Multibody environment.

URDF Import

Importing a URDF model. Mapping URDF entities to Simscape Multibody blocks. A simple URDF import example.

Import a URDF Humanoid Model

Export a humanoid robot from Onshape software and import it into Simscape Multibody software.

Featured Examples

Stewart Platform with Controller

Stewart Platform with Controller

This model illustrates the CAD import workflow in Simscape™ Multibody™. 1. Export CAD model into a Simscape Multibody Import XML (stewart_platform.xml). 2. Import the Simscape Multibody Import XML into a Simscape Multibody model using the smimport command. 3. Enclose the imported model into a subsystem (Stewart Platform). Interface layer is created to isolate the imported model from the blocks used to interface it to the rest of the model. The subsystem "Stewart Platform/Imported Stewart Platform" contains only the imported model. 4. Export input (Force) and output (pos and vel) ports that correspond to the control inputs and sensor outputs. These form the interface of the Stewart Platform model to its controller. 5. Within the subsystem, connect the force input and sensor output ports to appropriate blocks of the Stewart Platform model. Example: see block "Stewart Platform/Imported Stewart Platform/ActuatorAssm1_2/Cylindrical". 6. Connect the controller to the Stewart Platform model inputs and outputs. 7. Design the controller gains using control design tools. 8. If there are any changes to the CAD model, then it can be re-exported and the contents of the Stewart Platform/Imported Stewart Platform" subsystem can be replaced with the newly imported model without changing its interface (ports) to the controller. The controller gains can be re-tuned.

Open Model
Four Bar Mechanism Imported from a CAD Assembly

Four Bar Mechanism Imported from a CAD Assembly

This example has been imported from a CAD assembly designed in SolidWorks® using the smimport command. The XML file "fourbar.xml" and the STL files obtained during export of the CAD assembly have been used to create this example.

Open Model
Modeling A Robot Using STEP Files

Modeling A Robot Using STEP Files

This example shows how to import geometry and inertia data using STEP files. The STEP file is a standard format used commonly for data exchange between CAD applications. The format can capture a parts complete geometry information. Given the mass of the part and the volume distribution, Simscape™ Multibody™ can automatically compute the inertia properties of the part. Open the Solid block dialogs in the above model to see how the geometry and inertia parameters are configured to utilize STEP files exported from another application (CAD for example). This method of importing geometry and inertia information can be used for CAD systems that are not supported by Simscape Multibody Link. A valid STEP file from any source application can be imported by this method.

Open Model
Humanoid Robot

Humanoid Robot

This example has been imported from a URDF file using the smimport command. The URDF file "sm_humanoid.urdf" and the STEP files that visualize the robot parts were used to create this example. Motion actuation of the joints was manually added to the imported model to make the robot perform interesting movements.

Open Model
Simscape Multibody Documentation
Support
Modeling Flexible Bodies with Simscape Multibody Software

Modeling Flexible Bodies with Simscape Multibody Software

Download technical paper