Rethinking how businesses plan, design, and manufacture products is no small task. While many companies recognize the importance of digital transformation, the process of overhauling an entire manufacturing workflow and gaining internal support is a massive undertaking. A major challenge is that many digital tools are overly complex and isolated, making change unnecessarily difficult. At Autodesk, we're working to change that with Fusion 360—a cloud-based platform that brings together 3D modeling, CAD, CAM, CAE, and PCB design in one seamless environment.
At Autodesk University (AU) 2021, we’re excited to showcase new updates to Fusion 360 and our broader product suite, highlighting how designers and manufacturers are using these tools to collaborate more effectively and bring products to market faster. These innovations are empowering professionals across industries to tackle today’s manufacturing challenges and build a better future.
One of the most exciting developments is the introduction of two new extensions for Fusion 360: the Product Design Extension and the Simulation Extension. These additions expand the platform’s capabilities, offering more robust tools for consumer product design, simulation, and engineering. We expect both to launch early next year.
The Product Design Extension will provide users with advanced tools to automate the creation of complex features such as lattices and algorithm-driven patterns—tasks that would otherwise be time-consuming with traditional 3D modeling methods. This extension helps streamline the design process, allowing for greater creativity and efficiency.
The Simulation Extension offers users access to powerful simulation capabilities under a single, all-inclusive umbrella. Previously, simulation tools were available on a pay-as-you-go basis, but now, designers and engineers can choose the option that best suits their needs. This flexibility enables deeper exploration of performance, weight reduction, and material cost optimization, ultimately leading to better-designed products.
Fusion 360’s model of offering core capabilities alongside optional extensions means customers only pay for what they need. This approach is especially beneficial for consumer electronics design, where flexibility and cost control are key.
Logitech, a leader in consumer electronics, used Fusion 360 to develop its G435 family of wireless gaming headsets. The platform enabled rapid prototyping, generative modeling, and seamless integration into existing workflows. Logitech’s principal designer, Seter Wu, will share insights at AU about how Fusion 360 goes beyond just being a design tool—it enhances the entire workflow by providing a common data source and enabling efficient communication across teams.
This example illustrates how Fusion 360 has evolved into a powerful, cloud-enabled Design and Make platform that supports the full lifecycle of consumer electronics—from concept to production.
Another major update is the integration of Ansys simulation technology into Fusion 360. This partnership will enhance PCB design capabilities, allowing users to verify and validate circuit designs using industry-leading Ansys tools directly within Fusion 360. This integration will improve rule checking, offer real-time insights into electrical performance, and help identify errors early in the design process—making it easier to create high-quality, compliant products faster.
This collaboration highlights the extensibility of Fusion 360, built on the Autodesk Forge platform. It shows that the software isn’t limited to what Autodesk develops alone. By integrating technologies from industry leaders like Ansys, we continue to expand the possibilities for our users.
In addition to technical advancements, Autodesk is also addressing the growing skills gap in manufacturing. We’ve launched four new career certifications aligned with specific roles—Machinist and Mechanical Engineering—building on our previous certification program. These industry-validated credentials not only demonstrate proficiency with modern tools but also reflect a holistic understanding of emerging manufacturing roles.
Together, these improvements bring us closer to our mission: to equip the innovators and designers of tomorrow with the digital tools and knowledge needed to solve some of the world’s biggest challenges.
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