Altair HyperWorks 2023: Answering the Call of Large-Scale Manufacturers to Bolster Market Share

Altair, a Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) provider, released HyperWorks 2023 on the October 18. The 2023 update to HyperWorks shows the directional shifts Altair is taking to increase productivity for users and bring its product up to par with enterprise-scale manufacturing requirements such as the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and cloud computing. The new release of HyperWorks includes four notable updates: user-centric experience, custom AI models, Altair Simulation Cloud Suite, and HyperMesh Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD).

New Additions:

• Enhanced User Experience and Custom AI Models Power Up Altair HyperWorks 2023

Altair HyperWorks 2023 introduces a new user interface that simplifies operations and enhances user productivity with a modular packaging approach. The modular approach groups functionalities based on common usage patterns, leading to a 15% to 70% increase in user proficiency. Additionally, users can create custom AI models tailored to their specific needs, leveraging existing and reduced-order AI models to optimize speed and complexity of simulations. Custom AI models are more precise than traditional AI models and extend past traditional AI capabilities by automating complex or monotonous tasks, identifying data trends, and making accurate predictions, while efficiently managing workloads through cloud computing. With end users realizing the utility and power of AI for engineering and simulation, Altair is doubling down on AI and providing custom models that are not mainstream in the simulation provider market.

• Centralized Data Management and Streamlined Workflows with Simulation Cloud Suite and HyperMesh CFD

The Simulation Cloud Suite integrates with a company's product design and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) applications, providing a centralized hub for model and product data. Using High-Performance Computing (HPC) and AI/Machine Learning (ML), the Simulation Cloud offers search and traceability capabilities, enables multi-disciplinary simulations, and guides manufacturers toward informed decision-making through Key Performance Indicator (KPI) evaluations. The integration of application offerings such as PLM and the Simulation Cloud Suite is tailored to large-scale enterprises with data on parts, products, and simulation that need to be tracked and cataloged thoroughly to reduce circular reroutes; for example, not allowing manufacturing to proceed until all components and products pass the required simulation tests and are approved for production.

Directly integrated into Product Data Management (PDM) systems, HyperMesh harnesses AI modeling to streamline workflows and tackle complex simulations directly from data sources. Working in tandem with PDM systems, HyperMesh generates intricate Finite Element Analysis (FEA), CFD, and Multi-Body Dynamics (MBD) simulations, while providing users with recommended design changes and insights for product optimization. With AI and generative AI models requiring extreme amounts of data storage and computational power, Altair has successfully blended AI and HPC to create a unified platform for engineering and simulation operations, which has not been consolidated into singular platforms by other market vendors.

With the 2023 updates to HyperWorks, Altair is consolidating areas of strength into a unified CAE platform for optimal user experience. With releases revolving around simulation, data management in the cloud, HPC, and AI/ML, Altair has created a distinguished portfolio of competent CAE solutions that can scale to meet the needs of large manufacturers.

Competition for CAE and simulation predominately comes from large technology solution providers such as Siemens, Autodesk, and Dassault Systèmes. With Autodesk’s Fusion 360, Dassault Systèmes’ SIMULIA, and Siemens’ Simcenter, manufacturers already have CAE and simulation software options embedded into or operable on CAD software. The niche for Altair in this market comes from extended functionality, along with higher performance capabilities, allowing large manufacturers in technical industry verticals such as aerospace, automotive, and marine to perform the comprehensive simulations and design changes required for intricate products. Altair has seen big wins coming from these large manufacturers with Northrop Grumman, General Electric, and Blue Origin using HyperWorks 2023.

The closest external CAE and simulation provider for Altair is Ansys, a simulation specialist that integrates with all existing product design software. Ansys is on par with Altair HyperWorks 2023 with its suite of simulation software including, but not limited to Fluent, Mechanical, Zemax OpticStudio, and Discovery. Currently, Ansys is the bigger provider for simulation with more market share for large-scale manufacturers; however, Altair can close the gap. While already using HPC, the cloud, and AI prior to Altair, Ansys benefited from being an early mover in adopting these technologies and winning market share as a result. Now with comparable solution offerings, Altair is situated to poach clients and broaden its user base.

HyperWorks 2023 will attract large-scale manufacturers that require best-in-class simulation paired with cloud-backed HPC through a centralized platform. For future iterations, Altair should look to expand its digital twin network to branch out toward an industrial metaverse that can simulate full factory operations for manufacturers. Similar to partnering with TechViz (Share&Viz) for Augmented Reality (AR)/Virtual Reality (VR) simulation viewing within HyperWorks, Altair should look for additional partnerships within digital twin creation. When combining digital twins with AR/VR, Altair can create an industrial metaverse running on its cloud network. This will be a major distinguisher for Altair in comparison to other external CAE and simulation providers, as no other companies have taken this step in a complete and unified fashion.