The sister technology to Additive Manufacturing is computational design or generative design. Here, computers design the end product through the use of AI, based on a set of desired specs, parameters or requirements. These could be lighter weight, greater torsional rigidity, manufacturing method, lower cost, special dimensions, material usage or different form factors.

In the same time it takes humans to generate one idea, computers can test thousands of scenarios and explore every possibility, delivering the solution that comes closest to what we asked for and the necessary data to prove it. This introduces a dramatic paradigm shift in design, away from craftmanship and towards a new role for the designer as a conductor. They frame the challenge and curate the optimal solution generated by algorithms.

The reason this is becoming relevant now is that the solutions from algorithms would be almost impossible to produce if it weren’t for developments within 3D printing and cloud-based computer power. These designs don’t look man-made, but rather like designs we find in nature, such as silkworm cocoons and bone structures. Companies like Airbus are using generative design to create stronger and lighter airplanes. Callaway has created their best golf driver to date, using computational design. Under Armour and Adidas use the technology to create better shock-absorbing running shoes. Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects and the engineering company Hatfield Group have used it for the architecture of the Chengdu Museum of natural history. And GM’s engineers are using generative design to redesign the seatbelt bracket, replacing an eight-part assembly with a single part that is 40% lighter and 20% percent stronger (not to mention the supply chain cost savings of having one part instead of eight).

So, what’s next? Optimization via light-weighting, parts consolidation and general performance improvement combined with an increased focus on sustainability will drive this area forward. The technological breakthroughs already created by companies like Autodesk, Siemens, and Altair are amazing. I predict that we’ll see many more great commercial generative design solutions brought into the market in 2020.