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Design

Autodesk to showcase automation features of its generative design software in India

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Autodesk is preparing to demonstrate the automation features of its design software at an event in India, which includes “generative design” – where the software creates designs by itself.

The company says the fifth edition of its Autodesk University India will “showcase the future of making driven by automation and 3D design technology”.

The event is expected to be attended by 1,200+ professionals from architecture and construction, design and manufacturing, media and entertainment industries.  [Read more…] about Autodesk to showcase automation features of its generative design software in India

BMW introduces robotic X-ray measurement for prototype vehicle analysis

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The BMW Group has introduced computer tomography into prototype development, production and analysis – a first in the automotive industry.

The full range of vehicles, from Mini to Rolls-Royce, can now be quality-controlled from the early stages of development.

Scans are performed by four robots which move around the outside of the prototype to produce several thousand cross-sectional images. These are then used for detailed examinations of innovations, new materials and bonding technologies.

[Read more…] about BMW introduces robotic X-ray measurement for prototype vehicle analysis

Flying cars: A ‘near-term’ vision of a world where people get around in electric and autonomous cars and drones

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Airbus and the German car manufacturer Audi have teamed up to develop what they describe as “real, near-term urban mobility solutions”, which features electric and autonomous cars and drones – sometimes operating together as flying cars (main picture and video below).

Beginning this summer, Airbus – through its on-demand helicopter platform Voom – will partner with Audi to deliver an end-to-end transportation service, starting in São Paulo and Mexico City.

This partnership will provide premium ground transportation serviced by Audi vehicles and helicopter transport via Airbus’ Voom service, allowing customers to have a seamless and ultra-convenient travel experience.  [Read more…] about Flying cars: A ‘near-term’ vision of a world where people get around in electric and autonomous cars and drones

Aerodynamics: Mercedes claims its new A-Class Sedan is the most aerodynamic car in the world

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Automakers are always looking to improve the aerodynamic quality of their vehicles and there is an ongoing competition to outdo each other in this area. 

Better aerodynamics have the benefit of making a car more fuel-efficient, but it can also mean that it goes faster.

Mercedes-Benz now claims that its new car is most aerodynamic in the world.  [Read more…] about Aerodynamics: Mercedes claims its new A-Class Sedan is the most aerodynamic car in the world

Lightweighting: How GM and Autodesk are using generative design for vehicles of the future

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Autodesk and General Motors have been working together to develop new technologies for engineering design, as Bill Danon reports (see video below)

General Motors’ auto engineers have been heavyweights in vehicle lightweighting for years.

Just since 2016, GM has launched 14 new vehicle models with a total mass reduction of over 5000 pounds or more than 350 pounds per vehicle.

The lighter the car, the less fuel it uses, the less carbon it emits and the more money the driver saves. Pretty important stuff.  [Read more…] about Lightweighting: How GM and Autodesk are using generative design for vehicles of the future

DB Schenker offers 3D printing solutions via online portal

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DB Schenker is the world’s first logistics service provider offering its customers an extensive 3-D printing service. Customers can now upload the 3-D template via the online portal eSchenker, select materials and colour, consult prices, place orders and have the printing delivered.

DB Schenker organises the printing and delivery via its data platform. DB Schenker does not have its own printers, but uses a digital business model within a partner network of start-ups as well as established companies.

Together with the Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics, the DB Schenker Enterprise Lab in Dortmund has been analyzing the opportunities and results of 3-D printing since 2015.

[Read more…] about DB Schenker offers 3D printing solutions via online portal

Briefing – Design and Prototyping: CAD spells the end of paper and pencil

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In this article, Robotics and Automation News provides an overview of software available for designers of products, components, and systems 

It’s very unlikely that paper and pencil will disappear completely – the headline’s just journalistic hyperbole. But they’re certainly not used by as many people as in the past. 

Pencil and paper will probably always be used to sketch out ideas in the initial stages at least, but with more tablet computers around, along with digital pens or pencils designed for use with them, even those most humble of materials and instruments are getting serious updates.

It’s very unlikely that more than, say, one in a hundred people would continue to use pencil and paper once it has gone past the sketching stage into the actual design phase with a view to producing prototypes.  [Read more…] about Briefing – Design and Prototyping: CAD spells the end of paper and pencil

Siemens acquires Austemper Design Systems to strengthen product lifecycle management offering

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Siemens has entered into an agreement to acquire Austin, Texas-based Austemper Design Systems, a startup software company that offers analysis, auto-correction and simulation technology.

This technology allows customers to test and harden integrated circuit designs for functional safety in applications such as automotive, industrial and aerospace systems where functional safety and high reliability are mandatory for compliance to safety standards like ISO 26262.

ICs in these applications require three types of functional safety verification:

  • for systemic faults;
  • malicious faults; and
  • random hardware faults.

The acquisition of Austemper will strengthen Siemens’ product lifecycle management software suite, much like Siemens’ acquisition of Mentor did. [Read more…] about Siemens acquires Austemper Design Systems to strengthen product lifecycle management offering

Siemens, Lufthansa and Glaxo gear up for 3D printing expo In(3D)ustry

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The third edition of IN(3D)USTRY is taking shape and the event, organised by Fira de Barcelona, ​​already has the confirmed presence of high level representatives from companies which are successfully using 3D printing.

The event, which this year incorporates new sectors, such as advanced manufacturing, moulds and dies, plastic converters and new materials, will include around thirty speakers and some 50 exhibiting companies.

Amongst the companies which will be taking part in IN(3D)USTRY, from 16 to 18 October at Fira de Barcelona, Spain, are Siemens, Lufthansa Technik, the maintenance division of the German aeronautics company, as well as the British pharmaceutical industry multinational, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK).

[Read more…] about Siemens, Lufthansa and Glaxo gear up for 3D printing expo In(3D)ustry

Ansys partners with PTC to develop ‘groundbreaking’ simulation-driven 3D design solution

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Ansys and PTC have agreed a partnership to accelerate product innovation by providing customers a “world-class simulation-driven design solution”.

The two companies that they will together to deliver Ansys Discovery Live real-time simulation within PTC’s Creo 3D CAD software.

The combined solution will be sold by PTC as part of the Creo product suite.  [Read more…] about Ansys partners with PTC to develop ‘groundbreaking’ simulation-driven 3D design solution