Virtualware has reached a major milestone one year after acquiring industrial simulation platform Simumatik, reporting measurable gains for clients using the combined solution.
Industrial emulation helps companies build digital models of automated systems – like robotic cells, machines, or complete production lines – and test the control system virtually before implementing them on site.
Virtualware’s VIROO platform provides immersive XR training, while Simumatik enables a precise three-dimensional emulation of complex automation workflows.
The platforms let teams design, test, and train on the same system, avoiding downtime and production errors.
A simple example: an engineering team models a production sequence in Simumatik, validates the system logic, and passes the same model to operations and training teams, who rehearse procedures in VIROO’s XR environment.
Since the integration in October 2024, enterprise clients using the combined VIROO and Simumatik solution have reported a 28 percent increase in platform adoption and a reduction of up to 15 percent in training time for automation teams.
“Acquiring Simumatik strengthened our position in industrial digital twins” said Unai Extremo, CEO and Founder at Virtualware.
“One year later, the integration succeeded culturally, technologically, and commercially”
“The Simumatik team has grown, the product has evolved, and we deliver more value through a model that supports people, planet, and progress.”
Early pilot programs indicate faster validation cycles, reduced downtime, and more accurate automation deployments.
XR For Enterprise Workflows
Simumatik enables technical teams to design, emulate, and test automation systems in 3D virtual environments.
When paired with VIROO, humans can be part of the digital twin, and interact with other elements and each other, introducing the human factor to the solution.
Clients report shorter validation cycles, improved cross-team collaboration, and increased efficiency for distributed teams participating in remote projects. In addition, end customers can follow up remotely and interactively the progress of such projects and increase their confidence.
“Being part of Virtualware has allowed us to accelerate our vision and expand our impact. Now our team is bigger and we can grow Simumatik faster” said Mikel Ayani, Founder of Simumatik.
“New resources, expertise, and markets let our technology reach more customers and evolve faster.”
Implications For Operational and Engineering Leaders
Integrating Simumatik into Virtualware’s platform gives engineering, operations, and business leaders actionable insights. They can model and test automation strategies virtually, reducing risks and improving resource use. The entire life cycle of the solution can be covered, from design to commissioning and training.
Training results become measurable, helping leaders quantify gains and justify investments.
The platform helps leaders identify inefficiencies before they affect real-world operations and make data-driven decisions to optimize people and processes.
Market Trends And Strategic Timing
Bringing Simumatik fully into its ecosystem has strengthened Virtualware’s industrial XR leadership in Europe and North America.
Research from Grand View Research shows the global digital twin market was valued at approximately USD 24.97 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to USD 155.84 billion by 2030, largely driven by adoption among large enterprises.
Similarly, the immersive simulation market – overlapping VR and XR training – is forecast by Mordor Intelligence to grow from USD 22.09 billion in 2025 to USD 72.11 billion by 2030.
These trends show growing enterprise focus on technologies that improve efficiency, workforce readiness, and risk management.
Virtualware’s M&A approach focuses on technological innovation and operational execution. This ensures acquisitions deliver business outcomes beyond just expanding portfolios.
Looking Ahead
The first year of integrating Simumatik into Virtualware has shown the benefits of combining industrial emulation with immersive XR.
For instance, earlier this summer, Austrian firm Fill used Simumatik to upgrade a Swedish heavy vehicle engine maker’s production line.
Most of the work was carried out remotely, avoiding travel costs, on-site disruptions, and safety risks with heavy equipment through a digital replica that caught issues early and sped up deployment.
How these platforms scale and integrate with IT systems will determine if current gains last.
