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Q: What are the latest updates with SolidWorks and how do you foresee the next five years for the design and manufacturing industry?
I won’t go into too many details, but I’ll share the overall vision. SolidWorks was first released 30 years ago, with a single mission: to bring 3D CAD to every engineer’s desktop. The goal was to enable users to create a “virtual twin” of their designs, helping them manufacture and assemble products efficiently.
Over the years, we evolved. Initially, we allowed users to create multiple virtual twins to explore design options. Then, we introduced simulations, enabling users to test designs for real-world performance.
Now, the next step is creating a virtual twin for everything, for everyone. Imagine a humanoid robot company using SolidWorks to simulate the robot’s kinematics and dynamics, and a manufacturing company creating a virtual model of their production line. Combining both — the robot and the factory — allows companies to simulate the entire operation before making any investments.
This synergy between virtual twins enhances productivity and reduces costs. Our vision is simple yet powerful: a virtual twin of everything for everyone. We’re also working towards making these experiences immersive through sense computing — allowing users to feel like they’re physically present in their virtual environment.
Q: How do you see the future of intellectual property and knowledge management in this new era?
Intellectual property (IP) management is crucial for the next phase of evolution. Traditionally, IP and knowledge were stored in scattered locations, making it hard to utilise effectively. With the 3DExperience platform, we now provide a way to store all IP securely in one place.
But storage isn’t enough — we need to extract value from this knowledge. One client shared a concern about employees nearing retirement, taking decades of knowledge with them. They tried to document everything, but training new employees to navigate these records was challenging.
I showed them how to create a “virtual companion” on our platform. When an employee had a question about SolidWorks’ “flexible assembly” feature, the virtual companion answered clearly and pointed to relevant documentation. This embedded knowledge makes employees more productive and minimises reliance on manual documentation.
Looking ahead, these virtual companions will evolve further, helping users make the most of their IP by providing instant, accurate answers.
Q: That’s impressive. So, are you helping customers collect and process data for future designs and technical know-how?
Absolutely. The customer collects the data, and we provide the platform to organise and utilise it. For example, we created a virtual company environment with data related to SolidWorks — including best practices and guidelines.
A client once asked, “Can I use flexible assemblies in large assemblies?” I typed the question into the system, and the virtual companion provided a clear response along with relevant resources. This makes knowledge accessible and actionable, streamlining decision-making.
We’re also helping customers extract insights from past designs — like how parts were created, how assemblies were structured, and what dimensioning schemes were used — so they can work smarter and faster.
Q: How do you see AI and virtual companions driving productivity in the future?
Productivity will skyrocket. AI can handle repetitive tasks, like transcribing conversations or generating design ideas, with incredible efficiency.
Generative AI and virtual companions will automate routine work, allowing human talent to focus on creativity and innovation. As Jensen Huang said, AI won’t take your job — but companies that embrace AI will outpace those that don’t.
The boost in efficiency will be game-changing. Companies adopting AI and generative technologies will produce better designs faster, giving them a sharp competitive edge.
Q: What challenges do you see in integrating advanced technology into traditional manufacturing, especially in India, where SMEs dominate?
While there are challenges, both small and large companies have unique strengths. Smaller firms can quickly adopt new tools, making them nimble and innovative. Larger organisations, with their deep-rooted knowledge, can move faster once they embrace technology.
I believe both will succeed. SMEs will benefit from their agility, while larger companies will use technology to streamline operations and cut costs. With AI and smart manufacturing, productivity will rise sharply, pushing India to the forefront of global manufacturing.
Q: How would you define Industry 5.0, and how will it shape design and manufacturing in the coming years?
Industry 5.0 is human-centric. Unlike previous industrial revolutions focused on machines and automation, Industry 5.0 emphasises using technology to enhance human well-being.
In the next few years, we’ll see a blend of AI, automation, and human-centered processes revolutionising design and manufacturing. It’s about harnessing technology to support human creativity, not replace it.
Q: How does your partnership with Apple Vision Pro fit into this evolution?
Apple Vision Pro will play a key role in immersive design environments. Workers can train and interact with complex designs intuitively.
For example, imagine a worker preparing for a dangerous task, like cleaning an oil tanker. With Apple Vision Pro, they can train virtually, boosting safety and confidence. Similarly, doctors can use immersive tools to explain procedures, and assembly-line workers can practice assembling products in a risk-free virtual space.
Q: Who are SolidWorks’ biggest users, and which industries do you see growing in the future?
SolidWorks is used across industries — from industrial equipment and life sciences to architecture and consumer goods.
Companies like Ikea use SolidWorks for furniture design, and Asian Paints leverages it for product development. We’re also seeing strong growth in aerospace, robotics, and automotive sectors.
We’re expanding beyond design to offer business solutions that cover ideation to shipping — including ERP and MES — helping companies streamline processes and reduce defects.
Q: What about your support for startups?
We have a robust startup programme, offering free software for a couple of years to help new businesses thrive. A great example is Boom Aerospace, which started with our programme and recently tested their supersonic plane.
We don’t just provide tools — we connect startups with our community and offer guidance to fuel their growth.
Q: Lastly, how do you see smart manufacturing evolving in India, especially with generative AI’s rise?
India is at a pivotal moment. With manufacturing gradually moving back to India and a strong tech backbone, the combination of generative AI and manufacturing will trigger a massive productivity leap.
I am confident that India will become a global manufacturing powerhouse in the next few years by blending cutting-edge AI with its robust industrial base.
