Challenge
Grow the drone simulation and analysis consulting business while improving the performance of the company’s own drones without the need to rely on and transport a high-end, bulky workstation for running simulations.
Solution
Run drone simulations in the cloud on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform by implementing 3DEXPERIENCE Works modeling, design, simulation, and communications solutions.
Results
- Grew drone simulation and analysis consulting business to 60 percent of revenue
- Reduced agricultural drone weight by 10 pounds
- Doubled agricultural drone flight time
- Cut drone manufacturing costs tenfold
AirView Robotics Pvt. Ltd. is an innovative company in southern India that designs and crafts cutting-edge, bespoke drone solutions for a variety of applications. Distinguished by their robustness and advancements in safety, reliability, and performance, AirView Robotics utilizes the latest technological advancements to stand out in the crowded drone market.
The company not only develops its own unmanned aircraft systems but also offers simulation and analysis consulting services to other drone manufacturers. This facet of their business assists manufacturers in enhancing drone performance while avoiding the delays and costs associated with traditional prototyping cycles.
Massive Savings and Improvements
For in-house projects, AirView Robotics, in partnership with Drogo Drones Pvt. Ltd., utilized 3DEXPERIENCE Works Simulation to conduct comprehensive structural, vibration, impact load, and computational fluid dynamics studies, as well as center-of-gravity calculations. These simulations not only accelerated the development timeline to just six months, including certification by India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation, but also resulted in substantial improvements. The drone’s weight was reduced by 10 pounds with a lighter composite material, which doubles the flight time from 15 to 30 minutes and enhances operational efficiency in agricultural crop spraying.
The switch to new simulation tools also led to a tenfold decrease in manufacturing costs. Previous drone models utilized aerospace-grade aluminum, but through simulation studies engineers identified a more cost-effective construction using a combination of plastic and glass fibers.
“Weight is a major concern in all drone development. Even a reduction of 100 to 200 grams is a big deal, and a reduction of the magnitude of 10 pounds simply by using a lighter but just as strong material can lead to improved performance, such as doubling the flight time. With 3DEXPERIENCE Works Simulation tools, we not only developed a better performing drone design but also slashed manufacturing costs substantially,” Varunkumar proclaims.
Related Resources
Weight is a major concern in all drone development. Even a reduction of 100 to 200 grams is a big deal, and a reduction of the magnitude of 10 pounds simply by using a lighter but just as strong material can lead to improved performance, such as doubling the flight time. With 3DEXPERIENCE Works SIMULIA simulation tools, we not only developed a better-performing drone design but also slashed manufacturing costs substantially.
The Power of Cloud-based Tools
This shift in business strategy toward leveraging cloud-based simulation capabilities enabled AirView Robotics to significantly expand its consulting business, which now accounts for over 60% of its revenue. “The adoption of 3DEXPERIENCE Works Simulation solutions has not only mitigated our hardware and IT costs but has also enabled us to capitalize on substantial consulting opportunities and achieve remarkable business growth,” concludes Varunkumar.
Products:
- SOLIDWORKS Standard
- Collaborative Designer for SOLIDWORKS
- 3DEXPERIENCE Works SIMULIA Durability
- 3DEXPERIENCE Works SIMULIA Fluid Dynamics Engineer
- 3D Swymer
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