Sumitomo Riko Leverages Ansys AI Technology

Sumitomo Riko is implementing Ansys, part of Synopsys, Inc., AI technology to enhance the design and manufacturing of automotive components. SimAI analyzes new or legacy simulation data to generate high-fidelity AI models capable of predicting performance. Sumitomo Riko is using SimAI to accelerate computation-heavy tasks like antivibration design and exploration, battery cooling, magnetic field analysis, and mixing heat transfer analysis.

Sumitomo Riko is a global manufacturer of high-performance rubber automotive components. To accelerate product development, Sumitomo Riko is using SimAI and previously generated data to train AI models of high-performance rubber products, such as vibration isolators and hoses, without having to parametrize the geometry. This approach delivers AI models capable of making performance predictions under 5 minutes—over 1 hour of time savings for each new design—with accuracy comparable to high-fidelity simulation, Ansys reports.

For example, initial testing revealed that SimAI could accelerate simulation cycles over 10x when predicting the mechanical performance of certain rubber bushes.

"To remain at the forefront of polymer and comprehensive evaluation technology innovation, we are working to implement workflow automation capabilities across the entire product lifecycle" says Noritaka Matsuoka, head of analysis and experiment division, advanced systems R&D Center at Sumitomo Riko. "The first challenge is to promote the adoption of AI across our product development cycles. SimAI is an ideal platform to start this journey due to its robust capabilities that eliminate the need for parametrized geometries, making it easier for multiple teams to collaborate on one project."

Sumitomo Riko is also working with Ansys to implement workflow automation capabilities across product design, manufacturing, and retirement processes.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.