Volkswagen Group began cooperation with Autodesk in generative design

2019: Representation of the concept car based on the minibus of 1962

On July 23, 2019 the Autodesk company and the Californian Innovation and engineering center of Volkswagen Group (IECC) concern provided the vintage minibus upgraded using generative design – technology of design based on artificial intelligence. Using its opportunities in a cloud platform of Autodesk Fusion 360, they reviewed some parts of the electric vehicle, having focused at the same time on preserving of durability and at the same time reduction of weight.

As noted in Autodesk, when designing electric vehicles any possibility of economy of weight is important – the car is lighter, the less energy is required for its movement along the road. And more economic power consumption is equated to a bigger run without recharge - it is one of the most important factors for consumers at assessment of electric vehicles.

The IECC command used generative design for design of wheels of the minibus "Type 2" of 1962, having completely changed their structure. The facilitated wheels not only will lose transport weight in general, but also will reduce bus rolling resistance. The updated wheels it is 18% easier, than a standard set, and all the time of development – from designing before production – it was reduced from 1.5 years to several months.

"With generative design it is possible to design structures which differently we, designers and engineers, could never create. One of the biggest opening for me was how a lot of material can be deleted from normal construction of a wheel", noted Andrew Morandi, the senior developer of the products Volkswagen Group

The generative design was also used to change a steering wheel and also a supporting structure for back seats and fastening of rear-view mirrors.