Dassault Systèmes SIMULIA Analyst Brief
By: Sandra K. Rodriguez, Market Analyst
Axendia was recently briefed by executives of the SIMULIA brand of Dassault Systèmes. The SIMULIA brand is responsible for developing realistic 3D simulation and design optimization applications that complement the integrated solutions of Dassault Systèmes 3DEXPERIENCE® platform..
Dassault Systèmes purpose is to provide business and people with 3DEXPERIENCE universes to imagine sustainable innovations capable of harmonizing product, nature and life. Proof of the company’s long-term commitment to simulation comes with it latest acquisition, Exa Corporation. A Boston-based company, Exa has a global presence and customer base with reported $72M in revenue for the fiscal year ending January 2017. Exa is focused on serving the ground transportation, aerospace, and oil & gas industries and has deep experience in fluid mechanics and simulation. Dassault Systèmes acquired the company on November 17, 2017.
As part of Dassault Systèmes’ Life Science and Virtual Human Modeling (VHM) update, Steven Levine, Senior Director, SIMULIA Virtual Human Modeling, stated, “SIMULIA VHM is based on two principles: If you want to design a great user experience, you must include the user in the design. Healthcare is still in the 1D or 2D world, it’s time we bring them in to 3D to help demystify the complexity of the human body.”
The core benefit of Virtual Human Modeling is to “Never Test the First Time on a Patient.” That means that by the time a product has made it to market or a complex surgical procedure performed, it has been modeled and simulated to ensure it will meet its intended use safely and effectively.
The values of simulation and modeling in Life-Sciences are:
- Reduced developmental testing costs
- Reduced developmental time
- Ability to meet performance targets
- Confirmation of expected outcomes
- Reduced patient risks
- ZERO LATE STAGE FAILURES
- NO SURPRISES in the field
- Improved outcomes
To this end, digital humans are necessary in the design process so human-device interactions can all be virtually tested in the digital world. Next generation medical products must be based on user experiences, not just their potential for treating symptoms or diseases. Virtual patients, trials and surgeries are already happening, because having a good understanding of what is may happen before conducting a surgery, for example, is the best way to ensure an improved patient outcome
Axendia first wrote about The Living Heart Project in 2014. Today, medical device companies can conduct virtual testing of cardiovascular devices using the Living Heart Model. During the briefing, Dr. Levine announced the Living Heart is now available through the 3DEXPERIENCE platform on the cloud, offering the speed and flexibility of high-performance computing (HPC) to even the smallest medical device companies. Any Life Science company can immediately access a complete, on-demand HPC environment to scale up virtual testing securely and collaboratively while managing infrastructure costs. This also crosses an important boundary toward the use of the Living Heart directly in a clinical setting.
This offering means that mechanical and electrical analysis and real world device simulation can all be achieved in the cloud via the 3DEXPERIENCE platform. Levine added, “The technology is transformational because Life Science companies can do electrical and mechanical, and soon chemical analysis of products and their effect on the human heart, directly.” The initiative has gained worldwide support with nearly 100 members worldwide including industry members, researchers, regulatory agencies and clinicians. The executive team pointed out the value of simulation including reduced developmental testing costs, time, reduced risks and improved products.
What is next for Virtual Human Modeling at Dassault? The company plans to simulate humans from head to toe; literally. Dassault is working on simulating the human brain, foot surgery and every organ in between…