OpenLab is being actively used as a digital experimentation platform in the CORESIM project (Context-Based Real-Time OT/IT Systems Integrity Management). Several experiments have been conducted in 2025, and the work continues in 2026. The project is a collaboration between NORCE, IFE, NTNU (Lead), UiO, and Equinor.

CORESIM addresses challenges related to real-time, context-aware integrity management, where operational (OT) and information (IT) systems must work seamlessly together. It aims to develop decision support to aid in selecting the best possible response to a cyber-attack on a Cyber Physical System (CPS) with respect to both cost and process integrity.

OpenLab provides a unique, flexible, and reproducible environment for integrating simulation models, data streams, and system architectures. The Hardware-In-The-Loop simulator in OpenLab is the only realistic OT simulator for real drilling process control in the world. OpenLab Drilling allows researchers to evaluate system behaviour and demonstrate concepts before they are transferred to operational settings.

Looking ahead, experience from CORESIM feeds directly into the planned developments of OpenLab towards IT/OT Cybersecurity research and development.

"By being used in active research projects like CORESIM, OpenLab continues to evolve based on real needs — ensuring relevance for both current and future research challenges.", says Jan Einar Gravdal, Chief Scientist at NORCE, and project manager of OpenLab.