The future in 3D

Autodesk, the 3D-software developer, put a spotlight on disruptive trends and advanced technologies at its first Autodesk University (AU) Asean event in Bangkok last week.

Under the concept of "The Future of Making Things", AU Asean is recognised as the biggest event of Autodesk in the Southeast Asian region. It brought together more than 800 architecture, engineering, design, manufacturing and entertainment-industry professionals from 11 countries.

The event in Bangkok also kicks off the 14-country Autodesk University international circuit, which includes events in Brazil, China, Germany, India, Japan, and Russia. The flagship Autodesk University event will take place in Las Vegas November 15-17.

Pichet Durongkaveroj, Minister of Science and Technology, highlighted the recent Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the National Science and Technology Development Association's (NSTDA) and Autodesk to jointly establish a "Digital Manufacturing Platform" that aims to support the National Digital Economy Master Plan and provide up to 100,000 engineers and vocational professionals subscription-based access to Autodesk's technology, services and training for three years.

Autodesk also demonstrated how Thai companies are leveraging 3D design, engineering and fabrication software to take advantage of the Internet of Things (IoT), augmented and virtual reality, robotics, additive manufacturing and other emerging technology trends to thrive and win.

"Places and things are more connected, intelligent and dynamic than ever before, and companies need to radically rethink how they design and make things," said Rama Tiwari, Regional Director of Sales, Autodesk Asean.

At AU Asean, Autodesk unveiled plans to introduce new Autodesk Industry Collections on August 1. The 3D-design-software company will condense its seven Autodesk Design & Creation Suites into three core collections, and provide customers with a convenient way to access a wide selection of the most essential Autodesk software for their profession, along with cloud services and flexible purchase options.

The new Autodesk Industry Collections include the Architecture, Engineering & Construction (AEC) collection, an essential Building Information Modelling (BIM) package for building, civil infrastructure, and construction. The Product Design Collection is comprised of design and engineering tools for product and factory design. The Media & Entertainment Collection is the complete 3D-animation toolset for visual-effects artists and game developers.

"With Industry Collections, we're offering a very competitive price point and making it far easier for customers to access a wide collection of the most essential Autodesk software and services in one package," Tiwari added.

A big draw at AU Asean was the Autodesk Gallery, where exhibits explored the Future of Making Things and showcased pioneering design and inventive engineering. From 3D printed apparel from Nervous System and Nike, to the future of aerospace design with Airbus, attendees explored unlimited creative design possibilities using Autodesk products.

The design software leader also demonstrated how virtual reality (VR) is transforming three core industries: architecture and construction (using VR viewers to experience stereo-panoramas of building interiors), manufacturing (leveraging the power of VRED in the automotive product-development flow to improve engineering accuracy and engage customers in sales and marketing) and Media & Entertainment (how Stingray makes it easier for digital artists, creative directors and developers to build their 3D content).