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Model Import

Import a multibody model into the Simscape™ Multibody™ environment

To create a Simscape Multibody model from a CAD, URDF, or Robotics System Toolbox™ model, use the smimport function. The function parses the model, extracts the necessary data, and reconstructs the assembly using Simscape Multibody blocks for its bodies, constraints, and joints.

The URDF models must be in URDF files, Robotics System Toolbox models must be in rigidBodyTree (Robotics System Toolbox) objects, and CAD assemblies must be in a suitable XML format. To convert CAD assemblies into XML files, you can use the smexportonshape function or the Simscape Multibody Link plug-in. To convert Onshape® CAD assemblies, use smexportonshape. Use the Simscape Multibody Link plug-in for Autodesk® Inventor®, PTC® Creo™, or SolidWorks® models. You can also convert models from other sources. For more information, see the Simscape Multibody XML schema.

Functions

smexportonshapeExport a CAD assembly model from Onshape
smimportImport a CAD, URDF, or Robotics System Toolbox model

Topics

Desktop CAD Import

Onshape CAD Import

  • Import an Onshape Humanoid Model
    Export a humanoid robot from Onshape software and import it into Simscape Multibody software.
  • Onshape Import
    Overview of CAD import from Onshape software with emphasis on import workflow, tools, and user authentication.

URDF Import

  • Import a URDF Humanoid Model
    Export a humanoid robot from Onshape software and import it into Simscape Multibody software.
  • URDF Primer
    Learn about the URDF specification popular in the robotics community and create a simple URDF model for later import into the Simscape Multibody environment.
  • Import URDF Models
    Importing a URDF model. Mapping URDF entities to Simscape Multibody blocks. A simple URDF import example.