basic software and hardware for designing a control system embebed ina mechanical system

[mery]

I am constucting a design center of technical aids for handicap people.
I need information about the necesary resources for developing a system control design. The center will develop adaptation for transport and domotic system.
The electrical and automatic parts of a product, for example an electrical wheelchair will be developed in the center.
There are many different products that will be designed so I need the elementary equipment that is generally used, the especific equipment will be adquired for any proyect in particurity.
I need to know if there is software that allows the designer to develop virtual prototipes before to adqyuire the necesary hardware.

[JRA]

I would suggest contacting an NI sales engineer about this. They're quite useful in understanding applications for their hardware and software and can tell you all your choices. You can reach them at 512.683.0100. Let us know what you find out. This is a very interesting system you are building.