The disclosure generally describes computer-implemented methods, software, and systems, including a method for emulating a device. A set of current external device context states is identified. Each current external device context state is associated with one or more particular ones of a plurality of external devices. The external devices are used in combination to emulate operations of an emulated device. An emulated device context state corresponding to the identified set of current external device context states is determined. The determining uses an external device context state rule that maps the identified set of current external device context states to the emulated device context state. A command is generated for use by a target device in performing operations on the target device. The generating uses an emulated device context state rule that maps the determined emulated device context state to the command. The command is transmitted to the target device.