Hardware-in-the-loop tests (Glossary)

The term hardware-in-the-loop tests is particularly at home in the fields of automation, industry and Factory 4.0 as well as the Internet of Things. These tests play an important role when new control systems or products are developed that will later work in real machines or systems.

With hardware-in-the-loop tests, real hardware, such as a control unit, is connected to a virtual environment. Real conditions can be simulated in this environment - such as the operation of a machine or the behaviour of a car. This makes it possible to test how the control unit reacts in different situations without having to run an entire production plant.

An illustrative example: a car manufacturer develops a new brake control system. Before it is tested in real vehicles, the control unit is connected to a simulator that "simulates" various braking situations. This saves time, costs and increases safety, as faults can be recognised at an early stage.

Thanks to hardware-in-the-loop tests, companies can make the development of new products faster and safer. This reduces the risk of expensive failures or accidents when the product is later used in real life.