Dassault Systèmes Accelerates Its Factory Virtual Twin Strategy Execution with Acquisition of Automation Technology

Dassault Systèmes has acquired the Ascon Qube technology from Ascon Systems Holding GmbH, a developer of software-defined automation systems.  The acquisition of Ascon Qube accelerates Dassault Systèmes’ leadership in delivering premium industry solutions to model, simulate and optimize virtual twins of an entire factory. This advance enables companies in automation-intensive industries to program machine-specific software through an AI-powered platform approach and optimize production processes.  

The Ascon Qube technology has been developed to date by Ascon Holding GmbH, a pioneer in software-defined automation and providing new ways to optimize and manage factory floor automation systems and machinery.  With a focus on eliminating the inefficiencies of hard-coded PLCs and rigid, heterogeneous production systems, this SaaS-ready technology leverages AI to plan, build and control production through a model-based software platform.  This provides unparalleled interoperability and flexibility across industrial automation processes.  

In the generative economy, adapting and modifying production line automation to meet fast-changing demand and introduce new products is complex.  Each machine - or device - uses software that is programmed specifically for that machine.  In a factory with hundreds of machines, software programming and reconfiguration can delay production quality, changeovers, and product delivery.  Software-defined automation enables companies to mitigate these challenges by accelerating their ability to change production, improve quality, and maximize asset use.  

Dassault Systèmes will integrate Ascon Qube technology into its DELMIA portfolio, deployed worldwide and powered by the 3DEXPERIENCE knowledge and know-how platform. This is a concrete milestone in accelerating the delivery of Dassault Systèmes’ next-generation 3D UNIV+RSES environment, combining virtual twins, training AI engines, and protecting customer IP.

The technology will materialize in new Experiences as a Service (Xaas) to model, simulate, optimize and execute manufacturing to a new level of granularity, with software-defined automation at the machine level, replacing traditional PLCs.  Customers will benefit from faster decision-making, reduced downtime, long-term efficiency gains, and operational resiliency.