Cognitive Design Systems aims to revolutionize product design, by enabling engineers to generate and optimize 3D models or design for different manufacturing methods using Artificial Intelligence.
In this special Startup Saturday article as part of the AM Chronicle Startup Series powered by AM Ventures we connect with the Co-Founders of Cognitive Design Systems to understand more about their venture.
In a Nutshell
The story of Cognitive Design Systems (CDS), an engineering software company, began in March 2021. A continuation of software solutions that were commercialized in Japan in 2018, CDS aims to revolutionize product design, by enabling engineers to generate and optimize 3D models or design for different manufacturing methods using Artificial Intelligence (AI). The set of algorithms and the solution offered allows users to perform feasibility studies, predict manufacturing risks, cost estimation, as well as 3D modelling such as generative design and other optimization techniques necessary when conceiving a product. Ensuring manufacturable design, CDS brings your 3D concept from design to reality. CDS is a team of 11 people serving clients in Japan, Europe and North America.’
Brains behind this
Based in Toulouse, France, CDS was created by the terrific trio, Rhushik Matroja, Henri de Charnace and Vincent Ung, the three co-founders of this organization. Rhushik and Henri have a combined 12 years of experience in Additive Manufacturing, and have worked on more than hundreds of projects ranging from aerospace, defence, automotive, consumer and medical industry.
“CDS creates machine learning algorithms which brings insights from manufacturing world to the design board of an engineer. Our algorithms analyse, optimize and validate parts for manufacturability, performance and cost based on decisions made by the engineer. Our dream is to create a platform where engineer Co-Designs with AI.” – Rhushik Matroja, Co-Founder, CDS
The Before and The After
While working with clients, CDS noticed the gap between engineering designs and manufacturing feasibilities, making the design cycle lengthy or inefficient. Therefore, CDS accelerates the design to manufacturing process through automation, while reducing the steps required to optimize a design. Developing machine learning algorithms, optimized designs are generated that are ready to be manufactured. AI will allow engineers to explore a full range of design options based on their requirements, and ultimately choose the best design for their project. The ultimate goal is to build the best all-in-one generative design platform for additive and conventional processes, providing a holistic approach to modern engineering.
Technology
The key differentiating technology is their ability to design in harmony with AI and automation. This ability to master ‘generative-manufacturable’ design, that is fit for manufacturing, makes it unique. The software converts concept designs into a manufacturable and economically viable products using machine learning algorithms. The CDS platform aspires to democratize the access to design engineering, a service usually limited to large companies that can afford engineering consulting fees. The automated platform helps to bring innovation and creative product to the market in no time, while reducing the entry cost for advanced engineering design.
“In a world that is increasingly automated by AI and new technologies, we leave the tedious process of figuring out optimal designs for manufacturing to our machines. Spend time on what is important, and conceive innovative designs and ideas that are worthy of the 21st century. Imagine all the possibilities that await, and make your concept a reality today.”
AM Ventures Asks
Along with technological innovations, it is important for start-ups to understand how their innovation is addressing the world’s biggest Environmental, Social and Governance Challenges. AM Ventures, our co-collaborator for this AM start-up series, poses a question to Cognitive Design Systems (CDS) on its contribution to the world’s biggest ESG challenges.
As a start-up, they recognise the ESG challenges in the context of the manufacturing industry.
The rise of additive manufacturing has contributed to the emergence of many technological breakthroughs: improving production processes to be more efficient, less resource intensive production due to optimized design, using innovative materials, more accurate printing that reduces waste, with regards to the impact on our planet.
As part of integrating new processes and materials in the Cognitive Additive software (a second version of their software), CDS is exploring the introduction of an ecological aspect, such as a carbon footprint KPI, available in its ‘Results’ section. Manufacturing a product is not only about cost and lead time, it is about creating a better product that is efficient and durable without compromising the integrity of its design.
Funding Facts
In December 2021, CDS released the second version of their software called ‘Cognitive Additive’ to broaden their product commercialization from Japan to Europe. The team collaborated on numerous projects with notable industry players (Velo3D, nTopology, Ansys, to name a few), and clients from various sectors such as well-known aircraft manufacturers, major sports equipment suppliers, and defence companies. Currently, CDS is solely owned by the founding team. The start-up is excited to begin its first round of funding, anticipated for the second half of the year.
They seek:
Investors sharing their vision and objectives. They are also looking for collaboration and partnerships from software editors to machine makers. Since they are looking to expand in North America, they seek companies and people familiar with that region.
Contact Details
Rhushik Matroja (CEO)
Vincent Ung (COO)
A Quick Recap
- An engineering software company that began in March 2021, as a continuation of software solutions that were commercialized in Japan in 2018.
- Aims to revolutionize product design, by enabling engineers to generate and optimize 3D models or design for different manufacturing methods using Artificial Intelligence (AI).
- The set of algorithms and the solution offered allows users to perform feasibility studies, predict manufacturing risks, cost estimation, as well as 3D modelling such as generative design and other optimization techniques necessary when conceiving a product.
- Manufacturable design that brings your 3D concept from design to reality.
- A team of 11 people serving clients in Japan, Europe and North America.
- Created by the terrific trio, Rhushik Matroja, Henri de Charnace and Vincent Ung, the three co-founders of this organization.
- While working with clients, CDS noticed the gap between engineering designs and manufacturing feasibilities, making the design cycle lengthy or inefficient.
- Accelerating the design to manufacturing process through automation, CDS also reduces the steps required to optimize a design.
- The ultimate goal is to build the best all-in-one generative design platform for additive and conventional processes, providing a holistic approach to modern engineering.
- The key differentiating technology is their ability to design in harmony with AI and automation.
- Mastering ‘generative-manufacturable’ design, that is fit for manufacturing, makes it unique.
- The automated platform helps to bring innovation and creative product to the market in no time, while reducing the entry cost for advanced engineering design.
- The rise of additive manufacturing has contributed to the emergence of many technological breakthroughs: improving production processes to be more efficient, less resource intensive production due to optimized design, using innovative materials, more accurate printing that reduces waste, with regards to the impact on our planet.
- As part of integrating new processes and materials in the Cognitive Additive software (a second version of their software), CDS is exploring the introduction of an ecological aspect, such as a carbon footprint KPI, available in its ‘Results’ section.
- Manufacturing a product is not only about cost and lead time, it is about creating a better product that is efficient and durable without compromising the integrity of its design.
- In December 2021, CDS released the second version of their software called ‘Cognitive Additive’.
- Currently, CDS is solely owned by the founding team. Excited to begin its first round of funding, anticipated for the second half of the year.
- Seek investors sharing their vision and objectives, looking for collaboration and partnerships from software editors to machine makers. Since they are looking to expand in North America, they seek companies and people familiar with that region.
Disclaimer: This AM Chronicle Startup series is powered by AM Ventures and companies mentioned in the series are not necessarily funded or supported by AM Ventures directly, unless otherwise mentioned.
