Radical Versions of Transportation with Fusion 360

In the six-plus years since Autodesk released generative design – the artificial intelligence-powered tool that helps designers achieve better outcomes more quickly – the software has continued to evolve in efficiency and expand in usability when optimized in the cloud. The generative design tool is available in the Fusion 360 Generative Design Extension.

One example of the way generative design is being used is, as the Hyundai website describes, “radical versions of transportation.” The futuristic electric Hyundai Elevate, engineered using generative design, is a unique mobility solution: it can drive and walk.

Combining driven wheels with powered legs seems an ideal solution for rescue situations on irregular ground, particularly in cases of natural disaster. Hyundai describes that the Elevate can “climb steps, lift itself above flowing water or even jump over gaps.”

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If you need a partner to help you investigate or implement generative design, contact Applied Software today. The computational design experts of Applied will help you champion the solution that is right for your company.

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The original concept for the Elevate vehicle presented difficult design and engineering challenges beyond the need for lighter yet stronger components. The light+strong challenge required innovative materials – metallic foam, carbon fiber and new metal alloys; the complexity required the modern design technique of generative design.

With generative design, human designers can use their creative and innovative talents while partnering with computers to perform the mundane computing tasks computers are made for. Autodesk refers to generative design as the “lynchpin to a more sustainable, efficient, and innovative manufacturing future.” 

Another mobile invention that was engineered using generative design is the CityBot by EDAG Engineering. The autonomous modular bot can be fitted with different attachments to perform a variety of tasks, from trash collection to minibus transport to serving as a forklift. EDAG characterizes the bot as an example of “sustainable urban mobility.”

Using Internet of Things technology, CityBot components have embedded sensors to provide continuous feedback during operation. The sensors report whether a component is experiencing stress during use and if it could be optimized by being lighter or stronger. Fusion 360 can then calculate the design of the optimum part quickly.

Generative design enables companies to streamline and accelerate the process of developing design ideas and moving to production. In the time a human designer can test out and enhance one idea, a computer can do thousands. With generative design, the computer operates within designer-provided constraints. It then presents numerous design options with the trade-offs of strength, weight, cost, manufacturing complexity, and sustainability. The importance of different options can be clarified early in the design process.

The repetitive analysis work done by generative design is more powerful when combined with the compute power of the cloud.

The Fusion 360 Generative Design Extension enables users to run unlimited generative studies and access every design outcome for the duration of their subscription. For more information, or to try the Fusion 360 Generative Design Extension, contact Applied Software today.

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