Autodesk University (AU) Middle East returned for its sixth edition, welcoming over 500 architects, designers, engineers and the next generation of digital transformers from around the world to experience the Future of Making Things.

The two-day all access event which kicked off yesterday (May 7) was hosted at the Zayed University Convention Centre in Academic City, Dubai, UAE.  

This year, AU Middle East is focusing on the Future of Making Things, driven by its overarching philosophy of ‘building more, better, with less’. Throughout the event, attendees saw how their peers are using emerging technologies like generative design, augmented and virtual reality, robotics and additive manufacturing, and received insights into new advances in cloud technology like Fusion 360 and BIM 360.

“As we step into the new age of the fourth industrial revolution, it is critically important to understand the tremendous manifold challenges that we face today, and how latest technologies are disrupting the way we make things,” remarked Louay Dahmash, the head of Autodesk Middle East, as he welcomed all those present at AU Middle East 2018.

“Artificial Intelligence (AI), robotics, virtual reality and 3D printing will herald a new era of making things. At Autodesk, our goal is to help people to thrive in this new era, and this is our driving impetus for pioneering new paradigms across industries," noted the top official.

Citing the example of the Gulf region and the UAE, in particular, Dahmash said: "With UAE Vision 2021, Dubai 3D Printing Strategy, and other visionary ambitions, there is tremendous potential to create global standards and templates for the world to emulate."

"Throughout AU Middle East, our goal is to inspire the regional design and make community via insightful keynotes, interactive exhibits, specialized industry classes and premium networking opportunities," he noted.

Talking about Dubai’s focal position as the driver for change in the region, Lynelle Cameron, VP of Sustainability at Autodesk shared her vision for the Future of Making Things, and how Autodesk will help customers build more, better, with less negative impact on the world.

"The Middle East has embraced sustainability as vital to its future success, and is showing the world how technology can help unify industries and drive growth in sustainable developments, spurring economies and job creation," observed Cameron.

"The region, particularly here in Dubai, is aware of the environmental challenges ahead, and the need for a more sustainable construction industry. With leading examples like the Dubai government’s BIM mandate, we can look forward to significant adoption of technology in construction, reducing waste and improving efficiency in many areas,” she stated.

Continuing on the topic of innovations, engineering firms behind upcoming Museum of the Future and Kuwait’s ambitious International Children’s Hospital, BuroHappold and SSH respectively, lent insights into how Building Information Modelling (BIM), VR, and cloud computing have helped manifest complex and ground-breaking designs into reality.

Speaking on the second day of AU Middle East was Tatjana Dzambazova, AI Strategist at Office of CTO Autodesk.

As one of the few pioneering women in her field of expertise, Dzambazova addressed the many questions that AU attendees had on the role of AI in revolutionising the manufacturing and construction industries in the region, particularly with regard to the UAE’s announcement to use AI in all federal road projects and how that will radically transform the way infrastructure projects are carried out in the UAE.

Attendees also had the opportunity to explore the Autodesk Gallery to observe stories of exceptional design and engineering from across the globe that gave an in-depth look as to how Autodesk has helped talented individuals imagine, design, and make a better world.

In addition, Autodesk showcased how VR and real-time technologies are bringing architectural designs to life all while exploring insights in the Gulf region on the value of BIM, and what factors are holding back entities from adopting it.

“What we see happening today in the construction industry is a transformation into one that is more creative, inclusive and sustainable. This should fill all of us with a sense of optimism about taking the steps in the right direction. Let’s together aim to build more, better, with less,” he added.-TradeArabia News Service