Algoryx is now launching OpenPLX, a new open-source modeling language with a unique ability to unify CAD geometries, physics, control systems, and AI into a single collaborative format. Users of Algoryx’s simulation software AGX Dynamics can benefit from its strengths immediately. But thanks to its modular and extensible architecture, OpenPLX has the potential to become a universal machine modeling format that transcends specific software platforms.
As machines and robots grow more intelligent, autonomous, and capable, the way we design them must also evolve. The complexity of today’s systems — combining mechanics, control logic, and AI decision-making — demands tools that are built for cross-disciplinary collaboration from the ground up.
Increasingly, machines aren’t just programmed — they are taught. And learning physical skills requires a grounded understanding of force, motion, and mechanics. In this emerging paradigm, full-system models grounded in force, motion, and mechanics become even more essential.
The Algoryx team has spent years helping customers simulate and prototype machines with real-world physics. Now we are taking an important step forward with OpenPLX: a new open-source modeling language that redefines how engineering teams build and collaborate around Digital Twins.
What is OpenPLX?
OpenPLX is a platform-independent machine and scene definition language designed for simulation, autonomy, and advanced mechatronic system development. It provides a human-readable syntax that brings together CAD geometry, physical dynamics, sensors, and control systems into a unified, high-fidelity model.
It is open, extensible, and built for real engineering work.
”OpenPLX will democratize simulation and simulation modeling. It will empower engineers with validated and ready-to-use components for Digital Twins” says Fredrik Nordfeldth, Principal R&D Engineer at Algoryx.
Built to Solve Real-World Needs
Today’s engineering workflows are often fragmented. CAD lives in one tool. Control systems in another. Physics simulations in yet another. Every handover introduces risk, confusion, and wasted effort.
OpenPLX was born from these frustrations. Developed in close collaboration with our customers, it enables a single source of truth: one model that can evolve through every phase of development, from early prototyping to real-time control system testing.
“Our customers wanted simulation models that are open, understandable, and reusable across tools and teams. OpenPLX is the result.”, says Fredrik Nordfeldth.
A Modeling Language for Machines
Unlike rigid simulation frameworks, OpenPLX is fundamentally a human-readable language, with a simple and intuitive syntax. Using this language, engineers can define machines using modular components and domain-specific bundles, grounded in accurate physics.
The result is a system that’s both powerful and flexible:
- Reusable Templates: Define generic machines, such as excavators or loader cranes, and specialize them by replacing or modifying components.
- Hierarchical Design: Tweak high-level structures while still accessing low-level physics parameters like bearing positions or cylinder lengths.
- Signal Interfaces: OpenPLX has built-in support for controlling machines through signals.
- Plugin Architecture: Integrate CAD, mesh, and URDF data with live model updates.
- Domain-Extensible: Create bundles tailored to robotics, heavy vehicles, or your own domain.
Whether you’re working with off-road vehicles, industrial robots, or humanoids, OpenPLX enables you to model real-world machines with the fidelity and flexibility needed to develop smarter, more capable systems that perform reliably in the physical world.
Designed for Collaboration — Human and AI
OpenPLX isn’t just readable by humans. Its clean, declarative structure also makes it ideal for co-authoring with large language models and other AI tools. This opens new opportunities in data-driven design, automated code generation, and AI-assisted simulation workflows.
By unifying modeling, physics, and interface logic, OpenPLX bridges the gap between traditional engineering teams and AI-enabled development practices.
From Open Format to Open Ecosystem
At launch, OpenPLX includes:
- A reference simulation implementation
- Plugins for importing external model formats like URDF
- Cross-language APIs for reading and writing OpenPLX
- VSCode IntelliSense for real-time syntax guidance
OpenPLX is a game-changer for users of Algoryx’s physics simulation software, AGX Dynamics. But the implications of this new format are much broader.
”This open source language is developed for reusability and third-party adaption, as an integration surface between different manufacturers in Digital Twins” says Jonas Andersson, Principal R&D Engineer at Algoryx.
Algoryx is now extending an invitation to the open-source and engineering communities to contribute new bundles, tooling, and integrations. In our view, OpenPLX has the potential to grow into a comprehensive modeling ecosystem, with shared ontologies and libraries for every domain where physical machines matter.
Available Now
OpenPLX is available as open source at openplx.org, where you’ll find documentation, example models, and links to the growing ecosystem.
If you’re working on simulation, autonomy, robotics or machine design — we invite you to explore OpenPLX, contribute ideas, and help shape the future of digital twins.
Let’s build smarter machines, together.