Supporting vehicle development with AI: That is the basic idea of MVI PROPLANT Nord. Our AI application development expert Igor Sokrut from Wolfsburg has developed a solution in the field of simulation. He tells us exactly what it is about in this interview.
Igor, what is the idea behind the Full Automated Simulation Service?
The starting point for the idea was the following: At most OEMs, the areas of design (CAD) and simulation (CAE) are separated in vehicle development. In current vehicle development practice, a designer hands over his ideas or modified vehicle models (design data) to the simulation department and then usually waits about 6 weeks until he receives the results back. Only then does he find out whether his design changes are feasible and optimal for the respective component or not. This leads to long lead times in development and limits the potential for optimising components in terms of sustainable resource conservation.
The goal was to significantly accelerate this process with the help of an automated solution, which we have already implemented with the first customers in the automotive sector. For this purpose, we have developed a tool that enables the designer to couple his design of structural car body components with a fully automated digital simulation (non-linear FEM analyses). Within a few days, a statement about the mechanical behaviour can be automatically obtained and the requirements of the specifications can be fully taken into account. This means that in the future, design statuses can be checked promptly by the designer himself, independent of the vehicle, and appropriate measures can be taken at an early stage, which will lead to a significant acceleration of the entire development process.
The idea was born to develop a comprehensive software solution from this. In fact, a direct link between the two “worlds” of design and simulation, characterised by assembly-specific automation, is not yet to be found on the market. We want to close this gap with our solution.
How should the service be implemented in the end?
The tool that has already been developed is currently being refined into a comprehensive generic software solution that can be seamlessly adapted to the individual assembly requirements of individual clients. The application development of the generic software part has already started in October 2022. The aim is to create a seamless development process that establishes a continuous data flow between design and simulation data and is initially based on the CATIA V5 and Abaqus software from Dassault Systèmes. This is the first step towards a fully automated simulation service, which will be limited to sheet metal structures in the first stage.
In the next step, a further automation level will be implemented in the software with the help of AI. This will involve developing AI agents based on reinforcement learning. To this end, we are already in exchange with the Berlin MVI colleagues of the Lead Capability Center (AI & KE & SE) to work together on the software for the AI solution. Such AI agents today learn to play games from Atari on their own or to beat the world champion in the combination-rich game of Go. Our tool offers a similar closed chain as a video game. We are able to make automated design changes and receive automated feedback about these changes through simulation. This gives us the opportunity to provide the AI agent with an environment in which it independently learns the “game” of developing an optimal assembly structure in terms of costs, weight, mechanics, manufacturing times, etc.
What potential does the idea of this fully automated simulation service hold for the MVI?
Plenty. The added value for the customer is great: in the first stage of expansion, he receives a considerable time saving in his vehicle development process of 50-70 per cent depending on the assembly. In the extended expansion stage, we will create an AI-supported optimisation of the assemblies and will still be significantly below today’s development times. That means even better assemblies in a shorter time.
For us as MVI, the potential lies in the fact that such a service does not yet exist, so that we can occupy a niche in the automotive industry with it. Market developments and discussions with customers show that the simulation market is growing steadily. Manufacturers in various industries, such as the automotive industry or the railway, aerospace or wind power sectors, are striving to accelerate their development and production processes with the help of digital simulations and to reduce the number of prototypes required.
In addition, there is the aspect of different materials: the difference between the development of sheet metal and plastic components is huge and the costs for such prototype components are also often high. A simulation service that can make individual calculations for both materials and quickly analyse different groups of components is a great advantage for the customer.
With this software solution, MVI PROPLANT Nord aims to enter the simulation market more strongly and support companies in various industries by providing innovative and precise simulation options. Our disruptive approach aims to optimise existing processes and enable new ways of product development.
Would you like to learn more about the topic? Then contact our expert
Igor Sokrut
mob +49 1520 2020 066
