System and method for modeling signal flows in automation technology equipment

A system for generating a behavior model for simulation of an automation system which is created and operated based on the generated behavior model comprising:

• a computer including at least one processor and memory storing instructions which, when executed by the at least processor, causes the computer to:
• develop CAD drawings of components of the automation system in a CAD application, the CAD application defining geometric scopes of application for data interfaces of the components, said geometric scopes comprising spatial limits in which the data interfaces become activated based on movement of a workpiece transported via a first component having a first wireless or optical data interface through open space of the automation system along a workflow path towards a second component having a second wireless or optical data interface such that data signals are passed between the first and second data wireless or optical data interfaces within the spatial limits in which the first and second wireless or optical data interfaces become activated;
• define at least one signal transmission prerequisite, which marks at least one relative position of two of the geometric scopes of application relative to each other, at which signal transmission is possible between associated ones of the data interfaces, which are associated with the two of the geometric scopes of application;
• verify compatibility of the associated data interfaces at which the signal transmission prerequisite is met;
• and
• generate the behavior model such that a signal flow between the associated data interfaces at which the signal transmission prerequisite and compatibility are met is modeled in the simulation;
• wherein the automation system is created and operated based on the generated behavior model in which the signal flow between the associated data interfaces at which the at least one signal transmission prerequisite and compatibility are met during the modelling in the simulation.