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Process-Oriented Simulation in Isaac Sim
June 24, 2025
A simulation model is a virtual version of a real-world system—like a factory or robotics workflow—that lets you test behavior without building it physically. In Isaac Sim, models use digital entities (robots, sensors, parts) governed by physics, logic, and time.
To simulate realistically, think in processes: each entity follows a sequence of tasks—like moving, scanning, or deciding—coordinated through task graphs, timelines, and USD structures. This enables precise, multi-agent simulations at scale.
🧱 Core Concepts
| Process-Oriented Term | Isaac Sim Equivalent | Description |
| --------------------- | ---------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------- |
| **Entity** | Robot, part, or sensor agent (USD prims) | A simulated object that undergoes interactions |
| **Process** | Task Graph Flow / Action Sequence | A sequence of actions: e.g., pickup → move → inspect |
| **Activities** | USD stage updates or scripted behavior | Each unit of work (e.g., move to station, weld part) |
| **Queue** | Timeline or physics wait state | Time spent waiting for a resource or event |
| **Resource** | Robot arm, sensor, tool, or workstation | A constrained asset used during the process |🏗️ Process-Oriented Simulation Use Case
Imagine you're simulating a robotic quality inspection line in Isaac Sim:
- Spawn Part: A part arrives on a conveyor.
- Wait in Queue: The part queues until the robot is available.
- Pickup Task: A robot arm picks it up (process begins).
- Move Task: The robot moves to an inspection station.
- Inspection: The camera or LIDAR scans the part.
- Decision: Based on AI or a scripted rule, the part is either approved or rejected.
- Next Step: Approved parts move to packaging; rejected ones go to rework.
This entire chain is the “process” for one part—and each part follows its own process, just like an agent in a discrete-event simulation.
In a process-oriented approach, each entity—like a robot or part—follows its own timeline through a defined sequence of tasks. This aligns naturally with Isaac Sim’s architecture, where agents operate asynchronously and behaviors are structured using USD hierarchies and task graphs.
Key points:
- Entities follow independent timelines using NVIDIA’s task graph engine.
- USD's object hierarchy mirrors the structure of real-world processes.
Use the process-oriented approach in Isaac Sim when you're modeling complex, time-dependent systems involving multiple entities. Whether you're simulating robots handling physical parts, coordinating autonomous agents, or building full-scale digital twins, this method helps structure realistic workflows that unfold over time.
Ideal for:
- Robot arms, drones, or AGVs working in sync
- Multi-agent systems in factory or lab settings
- Testing autonomy in controlled, repeatable scenarios
- Creating interactive digital twins with task logic
👉 Explore champion3d.io to see how AI and USD can turn complex engineering models into intelligent, testable simulations—built to scale with your business.
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