Rotronic combines test automation and IoT testing for complex device setups 

As part of the software development for measuring devices for determining environmental data such as temperature, humidity and pressure, Rotronic was faced with the challenge of implementing more efficient test procedures.
We are already supporting our partners at Rotronic in the area of manual testing. Testing was mainly carried out on simulation devices. 

In the course of the new developments, the team faced the challenge of switching to more efficient test procedures. The aim was to integrate automated solutions for testing the measuring device software and to incorporate a large number of real devices. In the joint project, we therefore switched to automated tests and real IoT devices that better reflect the real operating conditions.

To meet the customer's test requirements, we rely on a combination of unit tests, GUI tests and IoT tests. This approach enables precise testing of both the software and the actual devices in real application scenarios.  

1. Unit tests and GUI tests: Instead of interacting directly with the devices, we tested at a deeper code level. This means that we interacted with the basic code blocks that later control the GUI and the physical devices. This allowed us to ensure that the software fulfilled the expected functions without more time-consuming manual intervention.
   
   
2. IoT testing with real devices: Real measuring devices were used for IoT testing instead of simulation devices. Our test cases were executed directly on the devices to ensure that the software communicates correctly. The test setup provides precise, realistic data on how the software behaves in real application scenarios.
   
   
3. Device setup & infrastructure: A key element of the solution was the creation of a device wall, which makes it possible to test several devices simultaneously and still control them individually. Previously, all devices had to be connected and disconnected manually, which led to confusion and inefficiency due to the large number of devices. We developed a USB switch solution that allows up to 16 devices to be controlled efficiently - both individually and in combination. This solution provides the advantage that no power supply for the devices needs to be interrupted, and the wall is mobile and easily transportable, which expands the application possibilities in the testing team. 

• Complexity of the test environment: In the test environment, all devices are initially only connected to a single computer. This situation does not correspond to the real operating conditions of the devices, as several devices have to be operated simultaneously and addressed independently of each other. This had to be compensated for in the test setup. To do this, we set up a test environment that we creatively solved with the help of a USB hub in order to control all devices efficiently and without overlaps. 

• Integration of hardware and software: A particular challenge was to connect the hardware (precision measuring devices) and the software and ensure that the tests were carried out correctly. We work with customers to develop a system that seamlessly integrates both software and hardware.