Our newly opened workshop space, the Autodesk Generative Design Field Lab in Chicago, is now ready to showcase the entire spectrum of technology from concept to completion. This space is designed to provide our customers with an immersive experience, demonstrating not only what generative design is, but also how it can revolutionize the future of manufacturing.
Every new technology inevitably comes with a learning curve, but we don’t want this to hinder our customers from exploring the endless possibilities of our tools. We firmly believe that every manufacturer deserves the chance to consider innovative and improved ways to produce goods. Hence, we've created this public workshop space to serve as a bridge between our technology and the hands of those who seek to harness its power.
At the heart of this initiative lies generative design, our AI-powered technology that leverages design constraints—such as weight, strength, and manufacturing method—input by engineers to generate a comprehensive set of solutions tailored to meet these parameters. Unlike traditional design approaches, which often require trial and error, generative design removes the guesswork, enabling designers and engineers to tap into their full creative potential while knowing that their solutions are inherently sound.
Last year, we made generative design accessible to users of Fusion 360, our all-in-one product development platform that integrates design, engineering, and manufacturing into one cohesive tool. While this is a powerful asset to have at your disposal, it represents a paradigm shift in problem-solving approaches. This motivated us to establish a physical space where individuals could directly engage with and understand this groundbreaking technology.
In collaboration with MxD (Manufacturing x Digital), located in Chicago's expansive 100,000-square-foot innovation center, we’ve established the Field Lab as the perfect environment for visitors eager to interact with cutting-edge manufacturing technologies. “MxD was founded in early 2014 as part of a network dedicated to fostering innovation in manufacturing. Our mission is to deploy solutions—like generative design—that enhance American manufacturing by boosting productivity and efficiency, while simultaneously advancing the workforce,†explained Caralynn Nowinski Collens, a member of MxD’s board. “Seeing what Autodesk is accomplishing on the manufacturing floor is truly inspiring for our guests and underscores the importance of our work.â€
Equipped with state-of-the-art machinery, the Field Lab allows customers to witness firsthand how products can be designed, prototyped, and manufactured in real-time. Visitors will encounter a DMS hybrid additive/subtractive 3-axis router, a Datron Neo CNC mill, and a Farsoon eForm laser sintering system. Modern manufacturers have a wide array of options when it comes to producing parts, from traditional CNC machines to the latest 3D printers. Generative design empowers users to select their preferred manufacturing processes right from the start, ensuring that whatever solution they choose will be compatible with the equipment they currently possess.
One of the first customers to explore the space was SRAM, a premium bicycle component manufacturer based in Chicago. Known for its commitment to quality and performance engineering, SRAM remains driven by innovation. “Over my 18-year tenure as a design director at SRAM, not much has changed in terms of the tools we use,†stated Dhiraj Madura, Global Industrial Design Director at SRAM. “We still rely on the same CAD packages to create our 3D models, then print and test them. This cycle hasn’t evolved, and it hasn’t made us any more efficient in manufacturing our products.â€
Madura is particularly excited about the prospect of expanding design options from the outset and iterating more swiftly. “While we do a lot of iterations during the design phase, sometimes the pace isn’t fast enough given our timelines. The final product might not perfectly match our specifications, but it’s as close as we can get. As our products grow more complex, we must adopt new methods and tools, which is why we’re here at the Generative Design Field Lab. We’re eager to test innovations like generative design and additive manufacturing because they hold the key to enhancing our competitive edge.â€
Looking ahead, Chandra Brown, Executive Director at MxD, emphasized the importance of considering the entire product lifecycle, starting with the initial design phase. “To propel manufacturing forward, we must think holistically about the entire process, beginning with design. We can achieve feats today that were once unimaginable thanks to partners like Autodesk, who bring transformative solutions to the table. What Autodesk is doing—guiding people through the complete journey from design to production—is a critical component of fulfilling our mission and vision.â€
Should you be interested in visiting the Field Lab at MxD or learning more about generative design, please reach out to us. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
*MxD was previously known as the Digital Manufacturing and Design Innovation Institute (DMDII) until February 2019.
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