How Volkswagen Group is Using AI-Driven Digital Twins

Dassault Systèmes and Volkswagen Group have partnered to use innovative digital tools to underpin premium vehicle development and product. 

The collaboration involved Volkswagen leveraging Dassault Systèmes’ cloud-based 3DEXPERIENCE platform, which used AI-driven digital twins.

Volkswagen will deploy the 3DEXPERIENCE platform for engineering and manufacturing across several of its brands such as Porsche, Audi, and Volkswagen. The aim is to use virtual twins, a digital replica of a real-world object, process or system incorporating real-time data, simulations and machine learning, to enhance and streamline the vehicle development process from an early stage.

This method allows teams to undertake simulation, testing, and refinement within a secure, collaborative and virtual setting before actual production kicks off. Using sophisticated virtual modelling not only helps manufacturers to align with global sustainability and regulatory mandates but also drives innovation at a greater rate.

Discussing the deployment Pascal Daloz, CEO of Dassault Systèmes, said that the pace of industry development and evolution in the context of the Generative Economy is pushing automotive manufacturers to use transformative technology to improve vehicle experience. 

He explained: “After four decades of partnership rooted in innovation and trust, we’re now embarking on the next chapter with Volkswagen Group with the 3DEXPERIENCE platform at its core.

"Our AI-powered virtual twins and the strength and resilience of the cloud will unify Volkswagen Group’s hardware and software innovation and unleash the knowledge and know-how to accelerate its software-driven transformation.” 

Virtual twins are still an emerging technology in industry applications but provide several core benefits. They are more powerful than digital twins because they create a virtual model of a physical object, system or environment because they incorporate mechanical, electromagnetic and microfluidic properties. 

This means they are richer in context and scenario planning and can be used to simulate complex scenarios without real-world repercussions. For companies like Volkswagen, they can be used to design and test how products will behave in different scenarios, optimise production processes and run ‘what-if’ scenarios, and meet sustainability objectives.   

These capabilities are prominent in the four industry solution experiences at the heart of Dassault Systèmes’ solution.  

1. Global Modular Architecture

Volkswagen values the Global Modular Architecture solution for its ability to support the kind of adaptable, scalable design essential for diverse and modern market needs. It employs a modular approach to vehicle design, crucial in producing various models efficiently, and particularly significant as the shift towards EVs and hybrid vehicles intensifies.

Hauke Stars, Board Member at Volkswagen Group shared that integrating these consistent data streams and AI solutions ushers in technological advancements for development and production planning teams, simplifying processes and reducing complexities and costs.

he said: “We are advancing the development of our next-generation IT system landscape, and the decision to partner with Dassault Systèmes marks an important milestone. With consistent data streams and AI solutions built on them, we are creating a true technological leap for our teams in development and factory planning. At the same time, we are sustainably reducing IT costs and accelerating processes by streamlining our system complexity and utilising virtual twins.”

2. Smart, Safe and Connected

The Smart, Safe and Connected solution ensures vehicles are not only smart but also safe and interconnected through IoT and advanced sensors, enhancing efficiency and meeting stringent safety regulations. 

It underscores how critical connectivity and safety are to Volkswagen’s operational ethos. For deeper insights into digital continuity, a webinar is available by DELMIA, another branch under Dassault Systèmes.

3. Efficient Multi-Energy Platform

The shift towards diverse and more sustainable vehicle power sources such as electric, hybrid, and hydrogen is accommodated under the Efficient Multi-Energy Platform. 

Its advanced simulation capabilities provide an integrated pathway for managing and optimising energy usage, critical to sustainability and supporting the integration of new and emerging technologies and regulations.

4. On-Target Vehicle Launch

On-Target Vehicle Launch provides a technology-driven foundation for successful and timely vehicle launches. It centralises collaboration, tracking, and management across development phases and ensures deadlines are met without compromising quality or compliance.

The solution focuses on achieving product delivery on time and within budget, which is critical in highly competitive industries like automotive.

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