At Autodesk University this year, we celebrated the winners of the 2020 Autodesk Excellence Awards for Product Design & Manufacturing. These remarkable companies were honored for their groundbreaking efforts in transforming design and manufacturing through innovative thinking. Discover how these visionaries are leveraging cutting-edge technology to drive progress and create a better future. Hyundai Motor Group New Horizons Studio, Mountain View, CA Hyundai’s New Horizons Studio explores the future with its walking car concept Image Courtesy of Hyundai Motor Group A few years ago, Hyundai asked an unusual question: "What if cars could walk?" That bold idea has now become a reality with the development of Elevate – the world’s first "ultimate mobility vehicle." This revolutionary concept can transition from a four-wheeled car into a four-legged walking machine, enabling it to navigate terrain that traditional vehicles cannot reach. Hyundai's New Horizons Studio used Autodesk generative design to develop lightweight yet durable legs capable of handling the torque of electric motors. The project was initially inspired by the need for resilient transportation during disasters, but its potential extends far beyond emergency situations. With Elevate, Hyundai is redefining what’s possible in mobility. Briggs Automotive Company, Speke, Liverpool, UK Creating the Ultimate Supercar with BAC Mono Image Courtesy of BAC Briggs Automotive Company (BAC) designs and builds the BAC Mono, a high-performance, street-legal race car weighing just 570 kilograms. The team constantly seeks ways to reduce weight and enhance performance. For the latest version of the Mono, they used generative design in Fusion 360 to create a new wheel design. The new wheel not only meets BAC’s aesthetic standards but also reduces weight by 35% compared to previous versions. It can be manufactured using traditional 5-axis CNC machining. By reducing the wheel’s weight, BAC was able to cut 10.5 pounds from the overall vehicle weight, improving speed and fuel efficiency. Firefly Aerospace, Briggs, Texas Building a 21st Century Aerospace Company Image Courtesy of Firefly Aerospace Firefly Aerospace is making waves in the private space industry, aiming to become one of the top players. Based near Austin, Texas, the company is led by CEO Tom Markusic and is preparing for the launch of Alpha, its small launch vehicle. Designing spacecraft is one of the most complex engineering challenges, but Firefly is pushing forward. Their engines produce 1 million horsepower—equivalent to 1,000 high-performance sports cars running simultaneously. Combined with lightweight carbon fiber stages, they can build a rocket in just nine days. Using Autodesk Inventor and Vault, Firefly’s engineers are working at an incredible pace. With Alpha set to launch in late 2020, the team is on track to make history. Reynaers Aluminium, Duffel, Belgium Streamlining Building Product Design Through Digital Transformation Image Courtesy of Reynaers Aluminium Reynaers Aluminium develops sustainable aluminum systems for windows, doors, and curtain walls. With over 2,300 employees and operations in more than 70 countries, the company faces the challenge of managing an ever-growing product portfolio. To keep up, Reynaers integrated tools from Autodesk’s Product Design & Manufacturing Collection with other enterprise systems. This helped them streamline processes, automate workflows, and reduce errors. Their digital transformation continues as they work toward greater efficiency and innovation. The Ventilator Project, Boston, MA Volunteers from around the globe unite to help solve the COVID-19 ventilator shortage Image Courtesy of The Ventilator Project In response to the global ventilator shortage caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, The Ventilator Project was launched to provide a rapid, low-cost solution. Since March 2020, over 200 volunteers worldwide have joined the effort. Using feedback from medical professionals, the team developed a prototype called "AIRA" in just weeks. They used Autodesk Fusion 360 for remote collaboration, allowing global volunteers to work together efficiently. With FDA approval pending, the team is ready to begin production and help save lives. Public Storage,Self-Storage,Building Mini Storage,Custom Mini Warehouse FCX Metal Structure Co., Ltd. , https://www.fcxmetal.com
INNOVATOR OF THE YEAR
INDUSTRY DISRUPTOR
ENGINEERING THE IMPOSSIBLE
INDUSTRY COLLABORATION
MAKING A BETTER WORLD
