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Autodesk Collaborates With Volkswagen Group on Generative Design in Electric Showcase Vehicle
Last week, Volkswagen Group celebrated the 20th anniversary of its largest research facility outside Germany by unveiling a retrofitted vintage VW Bus. This vehicle showcases cutting-edge technologies that the company believes will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the automotive industry. The focus was on reducing weight while enhancing strength, with significant collaboration between VW’s newly named Innovation and Engineering Center California (IECC) and Autodesk.
“We’re blending classic Volkswagen design with modern ideas and innovations from partners like Autodesk,†said Nikolai Reimer, executive director of IECC. “It’s exciting to explore what’s possible and to create something truly unique as a tribute to our shared vision.â€
One of the primary challenges in designing electric vehicles is achieving weight savings. The lighter the vehicle, the less energy needed to move it, which directly translates to longer ranges per charge—a key factor for many consumers considering EVs.
Enter generative design.
This innovative approach allows for the creation of lighter components without compromising performance. For instance, the IECC team applied generative design to the wheels of their 1962 Type 2 Microbus, resulting in wheels that are 18% lighter than standard ones. This not only reduces the vehicle's overall weight but also decreases rolling resistance. The process also accelerated development, shrinking the timeline from over a year to mere months.
“Generative design lets us create structures that would be impossible for human engineers to imagine,†noted Andrew Morandi, senior product designer at Volkswagen Group. “Seeing how much material we could eliminate from a traditional wheel structure was astonishing. When the new rims arrived, it felt like Christmas!â€
Beyond the wheels, generative design was also used for the steering wheel, rear bench seating support, and external side mirror mounts.
“The steering wheel isn’t heavy, but it’s the main point of contact for drivers. We wanted to introduce a generatively designed piece there because it’s both intricate and strong,†explained Erik Glaser, principal product designer at Volkswagen Group.
Generative design doesn’t just help create lighter, stronger parts; it also streamlines workflows, enabling designers to make better-informed decisions. Morandi sees this project as a stepping stone into the future of automotive design. “In 10 to 15 years, we might see entire vehicle frames being generatively designed. This could fundamentally transform how cars are made.â€
Other industries are already leveraging this technology. Last spring, General Motors used generative design to create a lightweight seat bracket prototype for future electric vehicles. Meanwhile, NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory showcased a generatively designed lander prototype capable of traveling over 350 million miles.
“We’re still discovering the full potential of generative design,†said Reimer. “Combining human ingenuity with AI could lead to smarter, more sustainable products. This technology will not only change what we build but also how we work.â€
As the automotive world continues to evolve, generative design is proving to be a game-changer, pushing boundaries and opening doors to unprecedented possibilities.