PROPOINT: What are the most important trends in industrial simulations today?

Mateusz Lampa: The impact of artificial intelligence is visible in virtually every area of industry, including robotic workstation simulations. Increasingly, clients expect fast, precise analyses based on available data and ready-made solutions. AI algorithms support us in accelerating our work toward optimal solutions and allow us to obtain final results immediately.

Another key trend is the digital twin. We create a full virtual copy of a workstation to verify its operation before implementation—without the risk of costly changes or downtime. At PROPOINT, we focus on simulating the entire work cycle of machines and robots. We must be certain that the line operates precisely within the designated cycle time, e.g., every 90 seconds.

PP: What specific benefits does the implementation of simulations bring to production processes?

ML: First and foremost: saving time and money. Simulation shortens the entire cycle—from design, through refinement, to final integration.

Virtual verification enables early detection of potential collisions or errors that, in real production, could generate significant costs. The client gains assurance that the line will meet requirements and, in addition, can view the exact production process in a three-dimensional environment.

What’s more, simulations make it easier to implement later modifications—expansion, modernization, or the addition of new functionalities.

PP: How is the landscape of simulations changing thanks to AI and machine learning?

ML: Radically. We are currently testing algorithms that can automate robot programming—from trajectory planning, through collision avoidance, to cycle time analysis.

Tasks that once took us weeks can now be accomplished within a few hours. Automating simulations has allowed us to cut implementation time in half. In my view, this is a direction that will soon become an industry standard.

PP: How do you assess the integration of simulations with IoT and Big Data technologies?

ML: It’s a huge opportunity. Thanks to the Internet of Things and real-time data analytics, we can work with actual data coming from plants located all over the world.

Remote robot programming is being applied more and more frequently. The virtual environment mirrors reality with millimeter-level accuracy. In the future, robots will autonomously generate the most efficient work trajectories based on sensor and environmental data..

PP: What do you think about cloud-based simulations?

ML: That’s the future. Cloud simulations enable collaboration between multiple teams, regardless of their location, and eliminate the need for costly on-site hardware.

The largest companies are already investing in these solutions. Of course, the strategic challenge is data security, but with proper standards in place, this is a direction that offers tremendous potential.

PP: You’ve been working at PROPOINT for 9 years. Can you share a particularly memorable project?

ML: Absolutely—one of the most interesting projects was the simulation of a production line for Tesla, specifically the Cybertruck. The unusual combination of aluminum and steel in large body components required an entirely new approach from us. We succeeded in creating a fully functional simulation that met the client’s strict requirements. It was a project that truly left a lasting impression on me.

PP: What advice would you give to people who want to develop in this field?

ML: The foundation is spatial thinking and fluency in 3D environments. Knowledge of CAD software, as well as the ability to model and analyze mechanical systems, is a big advantage.

It’s also worth having basic programming skills—not necessarily in robotics right away, but at least in task automation. And most importantly—you need to be ready for continuous learning and quick adaptation to new technologies.

PP: And what advice would you give to companies considering the implementation of digital simulations?

ML: The key is to choose an experienced partner capable of delivering a project comprehensively. Selecting the right integration company ensures timely and seamless execution. It’s important to remember that investing in digital simulations means not only saving time and money but also opening the door to continuous improvement of production processes.

PP: Finally—what brings you the greatest satisfaction in your work?

ML: Seeing the real workstation operate exactly as it did in the simulation. That’s an immense source of satisfaction—knowing that the process we worked on for months is running in the real world and improving the client’s operations.

-> Discover the benefits of digital process simulation. Test and optimize before implementation.