Manufacturing organizations must ensure that data flows from one software to another as they rely on solutions from multiple vendors for digitalizing their manufacturing processes. While functional, the typical file-based data exchanges used within the dimensional management process between engineering, manufacturing, and quality present major data-flow issues, including having multiple copies of the same dimensional inspection information in multiple locations. The PolyWorks digital thread enables partners to digitally interconnect their software solutions to the PolyWorks universal metrology software platform and centralized data management server. It also allows automating the data flows that deliver dimensional inspection inputs to quality and leverage digital twin instances as well as 3D measurement data outputs enterprise-wide.

“Our existing PolyWorks connectors cover a wide array of applications and processes, and we plan to add more connectors in the future. However, the use of 3D measurement data is expanding, and the number of applications that could benefit from it is rising as well. So, we think that the task is too big to solely rest on our shoulders. This is why we have decided to partner with software companies to allow them to develop and commercialize digital connectors that exchange 3D measurement information between PolyWorks and their own solutions,” said Marc Soucy, president of InnovMetric. “It was natural for us to take this decision, as we had already determined that PolyWorks would be an open solution.”

InnovMetric is onboarding and collaborating with its first digital thread business partners: High QA, AutoForm, and Duwe-3d.

High QA

High QA provides integrated manufacturing quality management software solutions for any size company in all major manufacturing industries. Its software optimizes and automates the entire quality assurance process through automated data extraction and contextualization, creating a clear, traceable, and consistent bill of characteristics (BoC).

Its first PolyWorks digital thread connector is built into their HQA Connect software, which allows quality assurance and manufacturing specialists to automatically balloon 2D drawings using optical character recognition (OCR). This connector enables metrologists to automatically synchronize dimensional requirements from these ballooned drawings to PolyWorks Inspector. With seamless digital integration, inspection projects can be created in record time, eliminating drawing interpretation errors while maintaining complete data integrity.

High QA plans to further extend the interconnection between HQA Connect and PolyWorks by streaming inspection results from the PolyWorks DataLoop centralized 3D measurement server to automatically populate quality assurance reports, such as FAIs and PPAPs, within their 360 Core reporting and analysis software solution.

AutoForm

AutoForm provides software solutions for stamping and body-in-white (BiW) assembly process. They allow defining the optimal scenario during the process engineering stage to avoid costly and time-consuming quality loops at the prototype and production phases.

The PolyWorks digital thread partnership with AutoForm empowers automotive manufacturers to perform virtual dimensional inspections in PolyWorks Inspector based on simulation models generated by AutoForm Forming and AutoForm Assembly at the process engineering phase. Inspection data and measurement results are made accessible to quality and engineering teams in real-time using the PolyWorks DataLoop centralized 3D measurement server.

This new digital twin and 3D measurement-based process significantly reduces the number of tooling and assembly process iterations. It also allows process engineers and quality experts to detect dimensional issues 12 to 18 months before any tooling and part production. Engineering teams can leverage more detailed deviation analyses between simulated models and nominal dimensions to further improve simulation efficiency.

Duwe-3d

Duwe-3d has been a business partner of InnovMetric for 25 years. As the exclusive PolyWorks Master distributor for Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, Duwe-3d provides customers with bespoke PolyWorks software extensions that meet specific requirements and applications.

Extending the business relationship to the PolyWorks digital thread partnership was sparked by the development of an experimental virtual clamping plug-in for PolyWorks Inspector, designed to streamline the inspection process of stamped parts. By applying virtual clamping forces through simulation software, this plug-in allows deforming the 3D scanned model of an unconstrained sheet metal piece as if the piece were physically clamped. This tool eliminates the need to build checking fixtures for individual sheet metal parts, accelerating inspections and reducing tooling costs.

While it is still in the beta testing stage, the virtual clamping plug-in is set to be commercially available later this year.

For more information on the PolyWorks digital thread partnership program, visit innovmetric.com.

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The program includes live demonstrations of VI-grade’s hardware and software platforms, including dynamic driving simulators, such as the DiM250, and HiL systems, such as AutoHawk. Engineers will also be able to interact with real-time simulation tools for vehicle dynamics (VI-CarRealTime), ADAS development (VI-WorldSim), and NVH analysis (VI-NVHSim). Other stations will show how human-machine interface (HMI) concepts are evaluated in virtual environments.

Engineers from companies such as Honda Motors, Hitachi Astemo, Mcity, and Multimatic will present a range of technical sessions and case studies. These will cover applications of simulation in vehicle design, system integration, and validation.

One portion of the event is dedicated to NVH simulation. In the afternoon, VI-grade will host a focused NVH user group session featuring updates to VI-NVHSim (releases 2025.1 SP1 and 2025.2), and discussion topics including sound design, CAE-test correlation, and electric vehicle sound simulation. The session will conclude with an open Q&A for users to provide feedback and discuss future development needs.

Zero Prototypes Day is intended for engineers working in ride and handling, ADAS, NVH, and HMI development, offering a practical look at how simulation tools integrate into modern automotive workflows.

The North American event piggybacks off of VI-grade’s 2025 Zero Prototypes Summit, held May 13 to 15 at its SimCenter in Udine, Italy. The global event attracted over 1,500 participants, with approximately 300 attending on-site and more than 1,200 tuning in via livestream. The event drew representatives from 24 OEMs, 17 Tier 1 suppliers, and six academic and research institutions, supported by 27 industry sponsors.

Across three days, attendees accessed nearly 1,000 hands-on demo sessions spanning VI-grade’s software suite, dynamic simulators, and HiL systems. Key technical sessions and customer case studies covered applications in vehicle dynamics, ADAS, NVH, and HMI development. Notable contributor brands included Alpine, Hyundai METC, Aston Martin Lagonda, Ferrari, Ford Werke, Honda R&D, Multimatic, Porsche Engineering, Stellantis, Volvo, and others.

Two major product launches were introduced at the Summit:

• HexaRev: a 6‑DOF motion platform designed to deliver smoother, quieter, and more precise driver-in‑the‑loop simulation through a new mechanical design that eliminates belts, gears, and ball-screws.
• VI‑DataDrive Cloud: a cloud-based simulation and data analytics platform aimed at reducing high-fidelity model run times and enabling scalable, collaborative workflows via AI-enhanced digital twins.

Senior management from VI-grade noted that the event demonstrated a strong and growing industry commitment to simulation-first vehicle development. The Summit’s regional scope is expanding, with a North American Zero Prototypes Day scheduled for June 12 in Michigan and a planned Japanese edition in Tokyo on September 12.

See you in Novi

Engineering.com is attending the 2025 North American Zero Prototypes Day at SimCenter Detroit in Novi, Michigan. Follow Editor-in-Chief Rachael Pasini on LinkedIn for live coverage and stay tuned for a full report on the latest technology. Live or work nearby? Registration is still open and free of charge.

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HexaRev represents a new benchmark in simulation-led development and is a significant technological milestone in VI-grade’s Full Spectrum Simulator (FSS) product family, redefining the boundaries of motion realism and immersive simulation. With a new mechanical architecture and direct-drive design, HexaRev delivers higher fidelity, system responsiveness, and motion efficiency, making it the most advanced 6-degree-of-freedom (6-DoF) simulator ever developed by VI-grade.

This 6-DoF platform is designed to overcome the limitations of traditional hexapod-based motion systems. While conventional designs have restricted motion envelopes during multi-axis input, HexaRev introduces a new mechanical and kinematic concept that expands usable motion during complex, combined maneuvers. This enables development teams to evaluate vehicle behavior in highly dynamic scenarios, such as braking while cornering or acceleration through a chicane, with greater realism and accuracy.

Key highlights include:

• Approximately 50% improvement in motion envelope-to-footprint efficiency over traditional hexapods
• Direct drive architecture with no belts, gears, or ball screws, resulting in low latency and virtually zero mechanical noise or parasitic vibration
• Mechanical simplicity that increases reliability and minimizes maintenance

When combined with VI-grade’s Hyperdock, the HexaRev platform transforms into an FSS, capable of delivering synchronized motion, vibration, and sound for a complete sensory experience. The full HexaRev FSS configuration offers:

• Motion: Accurate, real-time 6-DoF vehicle movement
• Vibration: 7-DoF high-frequency tactile feedback at key driver touchpoints, replicating road texture, engine behavior, and chassis harmonics
• Sound: Immersive acoustic rendering delivered through cockpit speakers or headphones

These features are fully integrated with VI-grade’s proprietary VI-ZeroLatency technology, creating an ultra-responsive simulation environment that empowers drivers and engineers to experience digital prototypes with unparalleled realism.

HexaRev joins the VI-grade Full Spectrum Simulator family alongside the Compact FSS (launched in 2023) and DiM FSS (2024), forming a comprehensive portfolio of simulation solutions tailored to a wide range of applications. From vehicle dynamics and ride comfort to NVH, ADAS, and HMI evaluation, HexaRev is engineered to deliver the highest levels of immersion and precision for virtual vehicle development. Its debut at the 2025 Zero Prototypes Summit attracted top industry leaders, engineers, and simulation specialists, all eager to experience the next leap in DiL technology. 

To learn more, visit vi-grade.com/en/products/hexarev.

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“The world is evolving, and navigation must evolve with it. GPS is disturbingly vulnerable to challenging environments, harsh weather conditions and cyberattacks, with rising threats of jamming and spoofing. The question isn’t if GPS will fail, but when. Operators need to build resilience now,” said Chris Shaw, CEO and co-founder of Advanced Navigation.

Robust navigation demands a layered, inertial-first and multi-sensor architecture — held together by intelligent software — that can adapt and scale to meet the unique demands of each mission. Embracing a software-defined nature means updates and enhancements can be deployed with minimal hardware disruption. This paradigm shift ensures truly resilient navigation for critical applications across defense, aerospace, robotics and autonomous systems.

To achieve this, Advanced Navigation, headquartered in Sydney, Australia, integrated a strategic-grade fibre-optic gyroscope (FOG) inertial navigation system (INS) with a new class of navigation aid: a Laser Velocity Sensor (LVS). The result is a fused hybrid architecture that delivers unprecedented precision and reliability in even the most challenging environments.

LVS is a terrestrial adaptation of LUNA (Laser Unit for Navigation Aid), a space-grade navigation technology developed for autonomous lunar landings. LUNA enables reliable navigation in the harsh environment of space by providing precise three-dimensional velocity and altitude information relative to the Moon’s surface. After several years of research and development, LUNA is set to be demonstrated aboard Intuitive Machines’ Nova-C lander as part of NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program.

By leveraging the engineering insights gained from LUNA, LVS adapts space technology into an Earth-ready solution for terrestrial GNSS-denied navigation.

Why the LVS hybrid works

At the center of every reliable navigation platform is a trusted source of truth: the INS. The company’s FOG INS, which is sensitive enough to detect the Earth’s rotation, provides that foundation by delivering precise attitude, and the LVS uses infrared lasers to accurately measure a vehicle’s ground-relative 3D velocity. LVS performs reliably on ground and airborne platforms, as long as it maintains a clear line of sight to the ground or a stationary surface.

Beyond its role as a velocity aid, LVS also enhances navigation resilience by detecting GNSS spoofing. By comparing its independent velocity measurements against GNSS-derived velocity, LVS adds an extra layer of security to Assured Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (APNT) strategies.

AdNav OS Fusion draws on sophisticated algorithms to interpret and filter sensor data. The software is designed to dynamically weigh the input from each sensor, adjusting in real time based on reliability scores, environmental conditions and operational context. This ensures continuous, high-confidence state estimation even when signals are lost, degraded or distorted. This inertial-centered, multi-sensor approach delivers a step-change in GNSS-denied navigation performance, compared to traditional methods.

Testing LVS resilience with real-world data

To validate the accuracy and resilience of the LVS hybrid system, the company conducted a series of rigorous real-world driving tests. Across five trials, the system delivered exceptional performance with an average error per distance traveled of 0.053% compared to a GNSS reference. 

At the starting point, GNSS on the INS was disabled in the state estimation process, forcing the system into dead-reckoning mode. RTK GNSS was logged separately as a reference. This approach allows for a direct comparison between the computed dead-reckoning solution and a trusted position reference.

The data below shows dead-reckoning results from a 23-km drive around Canberra, Australia. GNSS was not used at any point in the drive for heading or position. RTK GNSS is shown as the red line, while the LVS hybrid system’s result is shown in blue.

The next results are from a 19.2-km drive around the Parliamentary Triangle in Canberra, Australia. Again, GNSS was not used at any point in the drive for heading or position. RTK GNSS is shown as the red line, while the hybrid system’s result is shown in blue.

The figure below is a zoomed section from the first test drive, showing GNSS (red) drop out as the test vehicle drove through a tunnel, which completely denied the GNSS reference measurement. The hybrid system’s result can be seen in blue, showing it did not suffer from this error.

These drives were done repeatedly, demonstrating consistent and reliable results each time. 

The LVS hybrid system was also tested on a fixed-wing aircraft combined with a tactical-grade INS, demonstrating a final error per distance traveled of 0.045% over the course of a low-altitude flight over 545 km. These results demonstrate the system’s impressive ability to improve navigation performance of the INS in GNSS-denied or contested scenarios.

To read the company’s white paper for a more in-depth look into the technology, visit advancednavigation.com/tech-articles/laser-velocity-sensor-lvs-high-accuracy-velocity-aid-gnss-denied-navigation.

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The latest report reveals that firms achieved record profitability, reaching their highest operating profit margins in a decade, even as economic pressures and labor costs persisted. A stronger financial footing enabled A&E leaders to focus on operational discipline, strategic technology investments and ongoing workforce development. As AI adoption and digital transformation continue to accelerate, firms are sharpening their focus on efficiency, resilience and long-term growth.

“Firms are cautiously optimistic with strong profitability numbers while facing ongoing labor pressures and economic challenges. We’re seeing firms make more disciplined decisions — being more strategic in their project pursuits, investing in AI, and focusing on operational excellence to drive lasting results,” said Megan Miller, director of product marketing at Deltek. “It’s promising to see the industry’s progress in digital transformation, as more firms are adopting new technologies and maximizing their current tech investment to create a more automated and integrated tech stack. As firms look ahead, continued investment in upskilling teams, increasing visibility into their projects, and leveraging the full value of their technology stack will be essential for their sustained growth and resilience.”

Here are some key findings from the 46th Annual Deltek Clarity A&E Study:

• A&E firms sustained historic profitability despite ongoing economic and labor cost pressures.
  • Operating profit on net revenue reached a 10-year high of 21.4%, with net revenue per employee rising 11% year-over-year.
  • Firms are forecasting net revenue growth of 9.6% for 2025, signaling continued optimism in most areas, with some firms expecting a decline.
• AI adoption surged across the industry, with 53% of firms leveraging AI tools — up from 38% last year.
  • Use cases include proposal development, project planning, business development and data analytics.
  • However, a gap remains between intent and full integration, as many firms are still heavily reliant on manual processes for core functions like accounting and resource management.
  • Digital maturity is among firms’ top tech priorities, with 38% now rating themselves as digitally mature or advanced, and 74% expecting to reach that stage within three years.
• Business development strategies have shifted from volume to value.
  • Proposal volume dropped 38%, but the value of awarded work grew by 52% year-over-year, and the median win rate increased to 50%.
  • Firms are being more disciplined, focusing on opportunities that best fit their expertise and strategic goals.
  • “Fit for the type of work” overtook existing relationships as the top factor influencing pursuit decisions, reflecting a more deliberate, ROI-driven approach to new business.
• Talent remains a critical challenge.
  • While year-over-year headcount growth has slowed, the competition for high-value talent remains fierce: 59% of survey respondents cite the availability of qualified candidates as their top talent acquisition challenge.
  • Rather than relying solely on recruitment, firms are investing in upskilling, technical training and career path development.
  • Reductions in force were also prevalent, which could be the result of high M&A activity, strategic workforce planning, or a slowdown in some markets.

“This year’s Clarity study shows that workforce strategy has become mission-critical for A&E firms,” said Jason Dorsey, trends advisor and workforce expert at Deltek. “As generational change continues to reshape the talent pool, leaders must be intentional, creating opportunities for engagement, fostering career growth, and understanding the unique perspectives different generations bring to the table. Firms that take a proactive approach to developing their people and adapting to these ongoing shifts will be best positioned to drive innovation and achieve long-term success.”

The full report is now available to download here: https://www.deltek.com/en/architecture-and-engineering/clarity

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Developed with HBK’s Digital Solution Group, VI-DataDrive Cloud addresses the limitations of local simulation. By leveraging scalable cloud infrastructure, it runs multiple VI-CarRealTime instances in parallel, accelerating Max Performance simulations, DOEs, and model diagnostics. This makes it possible to execute studies that would otherwise be time-prohibitive, particularly for advanced vehicle dynamics development and system-level investigations.

“Our customers are increasingly faced with the need to evaluate complex scenarios across many conditions, quickly and accurately,” said Roberto De Vecchi, head of product development at VI-grade, in a press release. “VI-DataDrive Cloud delivers a step change in simulation capability by eliminating bottlenecks in model execution and enabling seamless team collaboration through centralized data access and customizable result visualization. This is the first building block of a broader cloud-based and AI-driven vision we’re bringing to life with VI-DataDrive.”

In addition to scalable simulation execution, VI-DataDrive Cloud features a customizable post-processing environment. Results can be visualized online, downloaded for local analysis, and easily shared across engineering teams. Hierarchical user and team management allows for secure and efficient collaboration across organizations.

Engineers can now increase the scope of Investigation Mode DOEs, analyze Max Performance events on longer tracks, and integrate simulation into Continuous Integration (CI) workflows using Diagnostic Mode. The system also supports models with full plugin, FMU, and actuator extensions, ensuring broad applicability in real-world development environments.

The solution will be demoed for the first time at the upcoming 2025 Zero Prototypes Summit event taking place in Udine, Italy, and featured in a dedicated presentation by the first customer using it.

To learn more, visit vi-grade.com/en/products/vi-datadrive_cloud.

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Additionally, physical prototypes require significant energy and resources to build, along with fuel, tires and transportation for testing, often involving international shipping, which adds to inefficiency and emissions. In contrast, simulators offer a more sustainable solution where virtual models can be tested locally, then shared digitally with teams around the world, dramatically reducing the carbon footprint, cost and time.

“The vision is to have a validation prototype be the first vehicle off the line,” said Dave Bogema, senior director of product management at VI-grade. “You want something that you can test, but that car should ideally be a saleable vehicle at that point. The aviation industry has gotten there to a large degree, so the idea for the auto industry is to get to the point where they can simulate virtually everything and then have a vehicle that’s right when they build it.”

Real-time, multi-attribute simulators create a realistic experience

VI-grade specializes in simulations that involve human interaction — areas where subjective human experience is essential to evaluation. This includes vehicle dynamics (how a car handles, rides and responds to road conditions), NVH (noise, vibration and harshness,) and the human-machine interface (HMI), which includes screens, buttons and other input systems in the vehicle. Although measurable in some objective ways, these elements ultimately depend on human perception to determine if the vehicle feels responsive, comfortable and engaging.

To support these evaluations, VI-grade develops a variety of specialized simulators. These range from large, room-sized simulators for vehicle dynamics (capable of simulating physical motion, such as lane changes or braking), to NVH simulators for accurate acoustic and vibration reproduction, to HMI simulators that replicate the vehicle’s interface. These tools allow engineers and decision-makers to immerse themselves in realistic scenarios, experiencing how a car performs and feels long before production.

One of VI-grade’s advancements is the development of multi-attribute simulation. Traditionally, automotive testing and simulation have been siloed — engineers would assess vehicle dynamics in one simulator, then move to another setup to evaluate NVH, and yet another for HMI. VI-grade’s integrated approach combines these aspects into a single, cohesive simulation experience. This integration is critical because these vehicle attributes often interact — for example, a vehicle’s vibration can affect how the HMI is perceived, or NVH might influence handling performance.

“For our vehicle dynamics models, we take what would be a traditional multibody model and simplify it as a real-time model,” said Bogema. “VI-grade’s sister company is Concurrent Real-Time, and their focus is on building real-time computers. So, the core of our simulators is this real-time computer that enables you to drive in real time as you would a real car.”

Simulating a vehicle involves integrating multiple specialized modeling techniques — such as multibody dynamics, finite element analysis and computational fluid dynamics (CFD). While many companies focus on individual components or specific simulation types, such as gearbox noise or wind acoustics, VI-grade’s strength lies in combining these diverse inputs into a unified environment that replicates the full complexity of a vehicle, enabling evaluation of interactions between systems such as road noise, wind and the entire powertrain without relying on physical prototypes.

“We stitch everything together and give you that realistic experience,” said Bogema.

The company has a global network of SimCenters, with its flagship location in Udine, Italy. These centers are used for product demonstrations and function as collaborative spaces where clients can undertake specific projects, conduct proof-of-concept work or simply gain hands-on experience with simulators. Staffed by technical experts, the SimCenters offer education and practical support, enabling customers to explore new ideas, test innovations and advance their development goals in a high-tech, guided environment.

Watch the 2025 Zero Prototypes Summit virtually

VI-grade will host its annual Zero Prototypes Summit, May 13–15, 2025, at its SimCenter in Udine, Italy, so that industry professionals can gather, discuss technology advancements and learn from each other. Registration remains open to attend the in-person event, and livestream options are available through LinkedIn.

“The Zero Prototypes Summit is unique in that it’s put on by Vi-grade but has turned into an industry event. It’s very similar to a conference where customers are giving presentations and learning from each other. It’s not all about VI-grade — it’s about the technology in the industry and how people are pushing forward this idea of zero prototypes,” said Bogema. 

The event fosters collaboration and knowledge sharing around the common goal of reducing physical prototypes and accelerating development through improved simulation methods. The first half of each day is dedicated to hands-on experiences with driving simulators, including the company’s newest HMI and full-spectrum simulators, which integrate motion, vibration and sound for multi-attribute testing. Virtual reality is also featured as a growing simulation tool. Alongside live software demos and interactive displays, a large exhibition area hosts VI-grade’s simulation and service partners, offering a comprehensive view of the simulation ecosystem. The event also typically includes product launches — this year showcasing a new motion simulator and new software solutions — for attendees to gain insights and a broader understanding of the field, with contributions from industry leaders and university researchers.

Online attendance is free of charge and includes the following high-level customer presentations that attendees can register for separately:

• Session 1, featuring Bridgestone EMIA, Ferrari, Porsche Engineering, Lamborghini and EDAG Group.
• Session 2, featuring TRE, Brembo, Horiba Mira & CATL, Honda R&D, as well as an engaging podium discussion on AI.
• Session 3, featuring Alpine, Pirelli & MegaRide, Aston Martin Lagonda, S&VL & Subaru, Applus+ IDIADA & Hyundai METC, HBK nCode and Volvo Cars.
• Session 4, featuring ASC-S, Multimatic, Stellantis & Meccanica 42, Ferrari, Hyundai METC and Ford Werke.

Those who register will receive an email with links to videos and a recap of the event.

Can’t make it to Udine? Let’s meet in Novi

For those in North America, particularly near Detroit, who cannot attend the 2025 Zero Prototypes Summit in person this year, VI-grade is hosting a 2025 North American Zero Prototypes Day on June 12, 2025, at the Multimatic SimCenter in Novi, Michigan. This regional event will mirror Udine’s vibes, knowledge-sharing and collaborative nature with live demonstrations, software stations, presentations and networking. 

Registration is open and free of charge, with more information to come.

To learn more about VI-grade, visit vi-grade.com.

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The new SiCore cell is designed for extreme conditions across wide temperature ranges and mission-critical environments to meet aviation and defense application requirements. It is suitable for High-Altitude Platform Stations (HAPS), Medium-Altitude Platform Stations (MAPS), and uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs), where energy density, weight, and endurance directly impact mission success. By providing longer range and greater payloads without increasing weight, this cell helps reduce total system cost. This allows operators to fly longer missions with fewer compromises, minimizing the need for additional batteries, fuel, or equipment.

This SiCore cell is being evaluated with plans to move into qualification with leading aviation and defense customers preparing for commercial deployment. To meet their demand, Amprius has built a global contract manufacturing network with gigawatt-hour-scale production capacity to deliver these high-performance cells at a competitive cost. UN38.3 certification, which is required for the safe air transport of lithium-ion batteries, is expected in this quarter for this cell. This will allow Amprius to begin volume shipments shortly afterward and support broader commercial deployment worldwide.

Amprius introduced its SiCore platform in January 2024, debuting its silicon anode cells engineered for high energy and high power in a single format. With the latest 450 Wh/kg cell now entering production, SiCore aims to support a wide range of high-demand applications across electric aviation, defense, and mobility markets.

For more information, visit amprius.com.

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PolyWorks 2025 introduces key enhancements to the three fundamental software components required to deploy an end-to-end digital thread for dimensional inspection: the universal metrology software platform, centralized data management, and digital connectors to interconnect 3D measurement with other enterprise solutions. These enhancements include:  

• Inspection project templates to manage and deploy best practices for metadata and measurement methodologies.
• Piece-inspection locking to protect important information and prevent editing by other users.
• View-only inspection projects to review measurement results in 3D without sharing proprietary or confidential data.
• A Web-based approval workflow to assign, review, and approve or reject piece inspections.

Universal PolyWorks 2025 platform enhancements

The PolyWorks Inspector universal metrology software platform enables quality control teams to perform all planning, execution, and analysis tasks associated with a 3D measurement activity using the same tools and interfaces, regardless of the type of 3D measurement technology employed. With version 2025 of PolyWorks Inspector, InnovMetric continues to expand its universal digitizing hub and enhance inspection workflow efficiency. Users can now: 

• Inspect large parts automatically by combining single-point measurement and surface-scanning tools using new hybrid LADAR and Laser Radar plug-ins.
• Enrich their CMM-based laser scanning toolbox with new scanner models compatible with Renishaw controllers, along with a laser plane preview feature when defining or selecting a scanner orientation.
• Enjoy auto-alignment as they start scanning to leverage feature scanning guidance tools and increase the repeatability of multipiece measurement workflows.
• Determine corrective actions quickly using the derived dimensions of GD&T calculations, without having to create additional features or align the data.

Data management enhancements

The PolyWorks DataLoop data management solution is a key component of the PolyWorks digital thread, storing 3D measurement data on central servers and digitally interconnecting the producers and consumers of 3D measurement information. Version 2025 offers enhanced tools for managing the 3D measurement data lifecycle. Users can now: 

• Manage and deploy best practices for metadata and measurement methodologies by creating and sharing reusable inspection project templates that embed all the right properties and parameters to adapt to different part types, measurement hardware technologies, and fabrication processes.
• Lock a piece under their identity to modify a piece measurement template safely or to protect an important piece from being edited by others.
• Access a recycle bin to recover deleted workspaces, projects, and pieces within 90 days of deletion.
• Protect data confidentiality or measurement expertise by creating and sharing view-only inspection projects that can be reviewed within the Web interface, but cannot be opened in PolyWorks Inspector.

InnovMetric now also allows remote PolyWorks users to access a PolyWorks DataLoop Core server protected by an authentication-enabled reverse proxy. 

Digital connectors enhancements 

The PolyWorks digital connectors are technologies that digitally interconnect third-party software with PolyWorks, allowing data consumers to access dimensional inspection data directly within the software they use. With version 2025, InnovMetric expands access to inspection results within the PolyWorks DataLoop Web Interface: 

• Annotation display is faster for projects with a large number of annotations.
• Positioning, appearance, and visibility controls are now consistent with those in PolyWorks Inspector.
• Annotations are dynamically repositioned while navigating the model.
• A simple navigation tool allows viewing annotations that could not be displayed.
• Users can dynamically view deviations when mousing over color maps or click to create deviation annotations.

PolyWorks DataLoop 2025 also allows users to define who can approve or reject pieces directly in the Web interface without opening the project in PolyWorks Inspector. 

To learn more, visit innovmetric.com.

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“We’ve had an incredible global response to our first immersive design challenge,” said Dora Smith, senior director of Future Workforce and Academic Strategy at Siemens Digital Industries Software. “Students from around the world leveraged our microcredentials to master new domains. They brought creativity and critical thinking to develop sustainable solutions, addressing wicked challenges in food scarcity, healthcare and battery lifecycle management. The experience the teams have gained during the challenge helps prepare them to be real-world ready in the future workforce.” 

The first round consisted of short questions about the students’ product or idea and their understanding of immersive engineering. The second round featured a short list of 40 teams that developed and visualized their ideas with support from Siemens experts and mentors using Siemens’ NX Student Edition. Alongside the learning and networking opportunities, all challenge participants earned digital badges to recognize their achievements.

Three finalist teams worked with Siemens’ NX Immersive Designer software and the Sony XR head-mounted display on campus to bring their ideas to life. The teams presented their concepts during a live online event and included teams from KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Sweden, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) in Australia and Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU), Germany. The projects included an immersive engineering-based digital twin of a Formula Student car, a simulation and visualization of a horticulture-focused lunar lander, and a project to increase recycling efficiency, improve battery performance and reduce waste in the automotive battery industry.

The judging panel, known as the jury, comprised representatives from Siemens alongside Hirohito Henry Kondo, general manager of New Contents Creation Business Unit, XR Business Division, at Sony Corporation, and Paloma Diaz, professor at Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Spain and chair of the Global Engineering Deans Council.

The jury selected NextCycle from FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg in Germany as the team whose idea best addressed the challenge. They considered criteria such as level of innovation, quality of the business case, how well the team leveraged Siemens’ NX Immersive Designer and the Sony XR Headset, and the sustainability impact of the team’s idea. The NextCycle team impressed the jury with their innovative concept, “BatteryTwin XR: An Integrated Digital Twin for a Sustainable EV Battery Lifecycle,” demonstrating technical creativity and a clear commitment to sustainability and real-world impact.

“This challenge has been an incredibly rewarding experience for our team, pushing us to think creatively and collaborate effectively,” said Suavi Yildirim, NextCycle’s team leader, following the announcement. “A special thanks to our Siemens mentor, Buket Kurtulus, the entire Siemens team, and our university for their unwavering support. I truly believe all three finalist teams did an excellent job, and I look forward to the opportunity to continue collaborating and refining our solutions for real-world implementation in the future.”

The team members from NextCycle are invited to participate in Siemens’ Realize Live event later this year, and their university will receive a Sony XR head-mounted display and one year license for NX Immersive Designer.

To learn more about the challenge and the finalist teams, visit immersive-design-challenge.com.

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