This paper presents progress in the development of a virtual commissioning environment for the validation of intelligent mechatronic systems with the following properties: 1) decentralised control architecture without a master controller, 2) open programmability based on the IEC 61499 standard, and 3) heterogeneous wired/wireless communication architecture. The presented environment is capable of instantiating in the cloud images of distributed control nodes connected to each other and with a plant simulation model. The environment aims to facilitate the verification of functional and non-functional requirements for complex automation systems composed of autonomous collaborating units.