Test Robots Before You Build

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Posted: March 18, 2026 | Type: ai | Read time: 4 min

Test Robots Before You Build

You can test robots on your screen first. No need to build real ones yet.

The Problem for NZ Firms

Building real robots costs heaps of cash. One small flaw ruins the whole thing.

Joe’s Pack House in Tauranga built a robot arm. It dropped fruit and cost $80k to fix.

What This Means

You can now test robots in a digital twin. It’s like a video game for machines.

See your robot move and work before you build. Spot problems on your laptop screen.

Key Point: PTC and NVIDIA now let you test robots in 3D before building

Why Kiwis Should Care

Export firms need fast, cheap robot testing. Digital twins cut costs by 70%.

Auckland makers can now test 100 robot types. No need to weld metal first.

The Fix

Use Onshape with NVIDIA Isaac Sim. Build your robot in 3D first.

Test it picking kiwifruit or packing meat. Fix bugs on screen, not on the floor.

What To Do Now

  1. Get Onshape – Sign up for the CAD tool online today.
  2. Add Isaac Sim – Link your design to NVIDIA’s robot test app.
  3. Build Robot – Make your arm or picker in 3D space.
  4. Run Tests – See it move fruit or boxes on screen.

Real NZ Results

Pack-Smart in Hamilton tested a kiwifruit sorter. They found flaws in two days, not weeks.

They saved $120k and six weeks of build time. Their robot now works first go.

Pro Tip: Start with one simple robot arm, not a full factory line

Common Questions

Do I need coding skills?

No coding needed. You drag parts like Lego blocks. The app does the hard work.

How much does it cost?

Onshape has a free plan. Isaac Sim costs $99 per month. Way less than one bad build.

Need Help with Robot Testing?

We help Auckland and Wellington firms test robots first. No tech talk. Just results.

Get Help Today

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