Detroit Engineered Products (DEP): Revolutionizing CAE with AI Integration

Learn how DEP MeshWorks integrates AI with CAE software to accelerate product development

Response shared by Radha Krishnan, President and Founder, Detroit Engineered Products (DEP).

1.Please tell us about Detroit Engineered Products (DEP) and its products and services?

Founded in 1998, DEP is a software technology-based firm headquartered in Troy, Michigan, USA. Since our establishment, we have experienced substantial growth and expanded our operations globally. In 2000, we launched our India office in Chennai, and today, we have offices in eight locations worldwide, including the US, Japan, Canada, and China, supported by a strong network of partners.

Our offerings revolve around two major verticals. Firstly, we have our proprietary software, DEP MeshWorks, which stands as an integrated CAE platform that revolutionises the entire product development process. Secondly, we provide comprehensive engineering services, collaborating with customers on turnkey projects. From benchmarking studies to design iterations, full-fledged CAE evaluations, value engineering, lightweighting, and prototyping, we cater to various industries.

With over 500 satisfied customers, including prominent OEMs, major automotive Tier 1 companies, aerospace, consumer goods, electronics, biomedical, and oil and gas industries, we have earned a prominent position in the market.

2.What impact do you expect CAE to have on various industries in the coming years, and how do you see its role evolving in the coming years?

Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) is poised to have a transformative impact on various industries in the coming years. As technology advances and computing power continues to grow, CAE will play an increasingly crucial role in product design, development, and optimization across different sectors.

In the automotive industry, CAE will continue to be instrumental in accelerating the vehicle design process, improving safety, reducing emissions, and enhancing overall performance. Virtual testing through CAE simulations will lead to cost and time savings, allowing manufacturers to bring innovative vehicles to market faster.

In aerospace and defense, CAE will aid in creating more efficient and lightweight aircraft, leading to reduced fuel consumption and emissions. Simulations will be vital for testing complex systems and ensuring aircraft safety and reliability.

In the healthcare sector, CAE will contribute to medical device design and modeling, personalized treatments, and drug development. Virtual patient simulations will help in understanding diseases better and optimizing treatment strategies.

Manufacturing industries will benefit from CAE's ability to optimize production processes, enhance material utilization, and reduce waste. Simulation-driven design will enable the creation of innovative and efficient products.

Furthermore, the rise of artificial intelligence and machine learning will lead to more sophisticated CAE tools. Intelligent algorithms will automate complex tasks, leading to faster and more accurate simulations.

In the coming years, CAE's role will evolve from being a validation and optimization tool to a proactive decision-making platform. It will be increasingly integrated with other engineering tools, such as Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), creating a seamless and comprehensive product development ecosystem.

Overall, CAE's growing impact will drive innovation, reduce development costs, and accelerate time-to-market for new products across industries, ushering in a new era of engineering excellence and problem-solving.

3.What ecent developments or upcoming features in your CAE software have you been particularly excited about in terms of innovation?

The latest version of MeshWorks in 2023 is an exciting one, as it showcases the integration of advanced algorithms, methodologies, and powerful AI and ML technologies in the backend, resulting in an intuitive, user-friendly front-end interface. This enhanced version brings a transformation to product development cycles, offering Next Generation CAE/CAD Morphing, Concept Modeling, and CAE Parametrization, leading to substantial time savings and optimized products. The addition of innovative modules, including Reduced Order Modeling, Groundbreaking Concept Modeling and the electrification module (eMoD), empowers users to continuously invent and swiftly create new and optimized products. With these cutting-edge features, MeshWorks 2023 opens new possibilities and accelerates the innovation process for engineers and designers, and the entire team is very excited about it.

4.How does your company approach the incorporation of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), or virtual reality (VR) into CAE workflows?

In the early stages of product design and development, process automation in CAE significantly benefits companies, especially during the CAE design stage. Many components of CAE Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs) involve repetitive tasks, and automating these processes offers valuable time savings for CAE users. Automation can encompass pre-processing, model assembly, and post-processing activities. It finds applicability in various industries such as automotive, heavy engineering, biomedical, and aerospace. For efficient automation, DEP MeshWorks, which integrates AI and ML in CAE processes, proves to be a powerful tool. Leveraging advanced features and pattern recognition, DEP MeshWorks facilitates extensive automation of these processes and workflows. This not only streamlines CAE operations but also enhances overall productivity, making it an essential asset for companies seeking to optimize their product development workflows.

5.How do you see the future of digital technologies in India's engineering and manufacturing sectors?

The future of digital technologies in India's engineering and manufacturing sectors is poised for significant transformation. As the country continues its journey towards becoming a global technology hub, digitalization will play a pivotal role in driving innovation and efficiency.

In engineering, digital technologies such as Computer-Aided Design (CAD), simulation, and virtual prototyping will revolutionize product development processes. Engineers will have access to advanced tools for design optimization, rapid prototyping, and testing, enabling them to bring cutting-edge products to market faster.

In the manufacturing sector, Industry 4.0 technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and robotics will enhance automation, productivity, and quality control. Smart factories will emerge, integrating data-driven systems to optimize production and minimize downtime.

Additionally, digitalization will facilitate supply chain management by enabling real-time tracking and efficient logistics. Collaboration between various stakeholders will improve, fostering innovation and competitiveness in the global market. Overall, the future of digital technologies in India's engineering and manufacturing sectors promises to drive economic growth, create high-value jobs, and position the nation as a frontrunner in the global technological landscape.

6.How do you address data security and privacy concerns in the context of CAE, especially when working with sensitive client information?

At DEP, we take data security and privacy very seriously. We address data security and privacy concerns in the context of Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE), particularly when handling sensitive client information, by implementing a combination of rigorous measures. First, we should ensure that all sensitive data is encrypted both during transit and while at rest, employing strong encryption algorithms and secure storage on authorized servers with access controls. Access controls are strictly enforced, granting data access only to individuals with specific roles and responsibilities. Secure data transmission protocols are employed for transferring information between clients and servers to prevent unauthorized interception. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments help us identify and address potential weaknesses in the system. Employee training on data security best practices is essential, along with clear guidelines for handling client data. Developing a comprehensive data breach response plan is crucial, outlining steps to mitigate risks and minimize damage in the event of a security incident. Compliance with relevant data protection regulations, such as GDPR or regional privacy laws, is also vital.

7.How does your company support engineers and users of your CAE software in their ongoing learning and professional development?

DEP supports engineers and users in ongoing learning and professional development through a range of initiatives. We often provide comprehensive training programs, workshops, and webinars that cover various aspects of the software's functionality and best practices. Access to extensive documentation, tutorials, and user forums allows users to explore and learn independently. Regular software updates and customer support ensure engineers stay up-to-date with the latest features and address any technical issues promptly. By fostering a culture of continuous learning, DEP empowers engineers to maximize their proficiency in using DEP MeshWorks and advance their professional growth.