Model-driven simulations

Sioux Technologies, one of the largest privately held tech companies in the Netherlands, is hosting a seminar on embedded software during the Electronics & Applications trade fair. Come to Jaarbeurs Utrecht on Thursday, September 25th, and be inspired by Robert Hendriksen, senior software architect at Sioux Technologies.

Robert has over forty years of experience. With a background in electrical engineering and computer science, he joined Sioux in 2008. Since then, he has, as he puts it, "had the opportunity to work on some truly fantastic projects." His years of experience in mechanical engineering and software development have taught him a crucial lesson: cross-domain collaboration is essential. "If we want to remain competitive, the various specializations truly need to collaborate." Robert explains that the models they've developed and their holistic approach to projects create the added value clients are looking for.

Data is the foundation

System control software increasingly determines the functionality and performance of hardware and system functions. "At Sioux," says Robert, "we address the complexity of modern systems with a holistic systems engineering approach. Our methodology focuses on capturing information and abstractions from all engineering disciplines in models. This allows us to detect many potential problems early on, before they escalate. This integrated approach breaks down the traditional boundaries between mechanical, electrical, software, and other engineering domains."

Every project starts with a good idea. Sometimes it's a quick sketch on the back of a beer coaster, other times nothing more than a flash of inspiration in the shower. The starting point of Sioux's approach is the principle of generating software from data-driven models. And these models form the basis for generating simulators. This is a process Robert has been working on for years and constantly requires improvements and adjustments. Sioux is one of the few companies that generate simulators based on these data-driven models. For the visualization, they've partnered with the gaming industry. Thanks to this collaboration, you can now "fly" through a production line, through a machine. Robert explains that they can convert a CAD file into a gaming environment. And—depending on the complexity—generate a simulation within a day.

To collaborate

In practice, this means the team develops a simulation from the very first schematic sketch. The major advantage is that you immediately see the impact of the various decisions on the overall picture. It also forces the various specializations to collaborate. You no longer work independently, but together. This prevents errors, both minor and major. The goal isn't to work "error-free." "This isn't possible, and we shouldn't want to," says Robert. "We can now detect errors very quickly. This can result in enormous cost savings." Robert reels off examples. And it's precisely the most complex ones that get him excited. Errors that can only be discovered when a mechanic and a software engineer run through the simulation together.

Early visualization allows everyone to see what's happening: what's the device doing? How does the product move through the machine? That's the power: combining a model-driven approach with visualization brings together various disciplines and helps detect errors early on, even before the first hardware is built.

Attend the Embedded Software seminar and learn from Robert how to optimize your development process with model-driven simulation and visualization. In addition to Sioux Technologies, presentations from KIWA and Exein are also on the program. You are cordially invited to the largest trade fair for industrial electronics in the Benelux.

Electronics & Applications

Location: Jaarbeurs Utrecht

Date: September 23 to 25, 2025

Admission: free after registration