Key Takeaway
Cloud computing is transforming vehicle design and manufacturing, with companies like Volkswagen Group partnering with Dassault Systèmes to shift their development processes to the cloud. This transition involves using Dassault’s 3DEXPERIENCE platform, which will replace traditional on-premises systems and enable real-time collaboration through digital twins. This move aims to streamline development timelines, enhance sustainability, and support electric vehicle production. The platform also integrates AI capabilities and modular design solutions, facilitating efficient project management and compliance with regulations. Volkswagen’s IT board member emphasizes this partnership as a significant technological leap for the company’s future.
Cloud computing is transforming the design and manufacturing of vehicles. Automotive companies are shifting from on-premises systems to cloud platforms that facilitate real-time collaboration and virtual product development among global teams.
In a significant move that underscores this transition, Volkswagen Group, Europe’s largest automotive manufacturer, has established a long-term partnership with Dassault Systèmes, the French industrial software company, to transition its entire vehicle development process to the cloud.
This partnership focuses on Dassault’s cloud-native 3DEXPERIENCE platform, which will replace VW Group’s current on-premises engineering systems. This transition represents one of the largest cloud migrations in the automotive industry, impacting development processes across the Porsche, Audi, and Volkswagen brands.
The cloud platform generates virtual replicas, known as digital twins, of physical vehicles and manufacturing processes. These digital twins allow global engineering teams to collaborate in real-time, testing and refining designs before moving to physical prototypes. Traditional vehicle development methods, which heavily depend on physical prototypes and localized software, can take up to five years from concept to production.
By adopting cloud-based development, VW Group aims to shorten this timeline while addressing the growing demand for sustainable manufacturing processes and electric vehicle innovation. The platform will serve as the primary engineering and manufacturing system for the group’s global operations.
Volkswagen Group IT board member outlines technology implementation plans
“We are advancing the development of our next-generation IT system landscape, and the decision to partner with Dassault Systèmes marks a significant milestone,” says Hauke Stars, Board Member at Volkswagen Group for IT.
Hauke emphasizes that the implementation will generate new data streams with artificial intelligence capabilities. “With consistent data streams and AI solutions built upon them, we are achieving a true technological leap for our teams in development and factory planning. Simultaneously, we are sustainably reducing IT costs and accelerating processes by simplifying our system complexity and utilizing virtual twins.”
How Dassault’s 3DEXPERIENCE platform supports automotive development
The platform features a Global Modular Architecture solution that allows manufacturers to incorporate modular components in product design. This strategy enables VW Group to produce various vehicle models with different configurations from a single platform, facilitating the company’s shift to electric vehicle production.
The Smart, Safe and Connected solution integrates Internet of Things technologies and sensor networks for real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance. This system manages data exchange between connected vehicle systems.
An Efficient Multi-Energy Platform offers tools for analyzing energy consumption across various power sources, including electric and hybrid systems. The solution aids compliance with emerging regulations in the automotive sector.
The On-Target Vehicle Launch solution coordinates design, engineering, and production teams through project lifecycle management tools. The system monitors development progress and manages risk factors during vehicle launches.
Dassault Systèmes CEO emphasizes partnership significance
“Industry evolutions within the context of the Generative Economy are compelling automotive companies to make transformative decisions that will elevate the vehicle experience to new heights,” says Pascal Daloz, CEO at Dassault Systèmes.
“After four decades of partnership grounded in innovation and trust, we’re now embarking on the next chapter with Volkswagen Group, with the 3DEXPERIENCE platform at its core,” says Pascal. “Our AI-powered virtual twins and the strength and resilience of the cloud will unify Volkswagen Group’s hardware and software innovation, unleashing the knowledge and expertise needed to accelerate its software-driven transformation.”
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