STOCKHOLM, Sweden, Feb 15, 2021 – Hexagon AB, a global leader in sensor, software and autonomous solutions, today announced the launch of a new business venture focused on reinventing how industry addresses complex environmental challenges: R-evolution.

Ola Rollén, President and CEO of Hexagon AB and Erik Josefsson, CEO, R-evolution 

R-evolution is founded to accelerate the transition to a sustainable economy, running profit-driven investments in green-tech projects where Hexagon’s technology can be applied. The move to form R-evolution comes on the heels of Hexagon’s recent announcements to further develop its sustainability agenda, including climate goals to significantly reduce its own carbon footprint. Targets to positively impact the environment now include supporting the world’s sustainability journey through R-evolution. The first set of investments, centered around renewable energy, will involve the construction and operation of a portfolio of cutting-edge solar farms, targeted at producing energy with 50,000 tonnes less CO2 equivalents per annum than the grid’s residual mix.

“Hexagon is in the business of leveraging technology and data in ways that improve productivity and quality while making processes more efficient. The result is fewer inputs and less waste. The concept behind R-evolution is no different. Green-tech projects can benefit from many of the same sensor, software, and autonomous solutions our customers use today,” says Hexagon President and CEO Ola Rollén. “We founded R-evolution because saving the planet is the biggest business opportunity of the 21^st century. The systemic problems caused by climate change demand a sense of urgency – 2050 is the year of too late. We must think and act wisely now if we’re to change our trajectory. R-evolution is an opportunity for industry to motivate rapid change, profitably, while giving back to the planet it’s been depleting since the industrial revolution.”

Solar farms are just the beginning. R-evolution will leverage the returns generated from Hexagon’s equity investments to fund further carbon reduction projects. The strategy is to expand focus to areas of sustainable agriculture, saving our oceans, protecting our forests, and more. In the future, R-evolution’s ambitions also include inviting others to join the revolution – from companies to pension funds to individuals – providing all the opportunity to make a huge difference and profit in return.

“Global commerce doesn’t have to be the enemy to a sustainable future. Instead, it can be the solution. Managing for the long-term, in line with ESG goals, is key to any organisation’s resiliency in the face of uncertainty. And companies like Hexagon, with solutions that can help the world achieve its environmental goals, enabling anyone to become a steward of the natural world, must step up to lead,” continued Rollén.

“Bringing together Hexagon’s industry-leading technology and cutting-edge innovation with profit-driven projects that contribute to saving the planet is both a huge and important task. I’m pleased to announce my decision to appoint Erik Josefsson as R-evolution’s CEO to motivate action through profitable change. Josefsson will be responsible for putting data to work using Hexagon’s portfolio of sensors, software and autonomous solutions to save the planet while providing shareholder returns that reflect businesses’ contributions to a sustainable future.”

Previously, Josefsson was Head of Advanced Industries at Ericsson, where he led the delivery of global Industrial IoT and 5G solutions for the manufacturing and process industries. ​He has a passion for global tech, has worked and studied in Sweden, Malaysia, China, and the USA, and has experience driving many smart initiatives like 5G factories, Connected Cars and Smart Sustainable Cities.

R-evolution will operate as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hexagon, reporting directly to Hexagon’s President and CEO, Ola Rollén. As R-evolution grows, the plan is to spin it off from Hexagon as more shareholders join the force for good. For more information, visit r-evolution.com.

About Hexagon

Hexagon is a global leader in sensor, software and autonomous solutions. We are putting data to work to boost efficiency, productivity, and quality across industrial, manufacturing, infrastructure, safety, and mobility applications.

Our technologies are shaping urban and production ecosystems to become increasingly connected and autonomous – ensuring a scalable, sustainable future.

Hexagon (Nasdaq Stockholm: HEXA B) has approximately 21,000 employees in 50 countries and net sales of approximately 3.8bn EUR. Learn more at hexagon.com and follow us @HexagonAB.

Invitation

TROY, MI, USA, Feb 15, 2021 – Altair, (Nasdaq: ALTR) a global technology company providing software and cloud solutions in the areas of simulation, high-performance computing (HPC), and artificial intelligence (AI), is pleased to announce the 2021 Altair Enlighten Award is open for submissions. Presented annually with the Center for Automotive Research (CAR), the Enlighten Award has expanded beyond lightweighting to celebrate the greatest sustainability initiatives, which help reduce carbon footprint, mitigate water and energy consumption, and engage in material reuse and recycling.

(Click the image to register)

“Year after year, the Altair Enlighten Award sparks growing interest from policymakers, educators, and engineers to industry leaders from all around the world, and we are proud to use this platform to showcase the most impactful innovations in lightweighting and sustainability,” said James Scapa, founder and chief executive officer, Altair. “The convergence of simulation, high-performance computing, and AI solutions is empowering the automotive sector to produce smarter, more connected, sustainable vehicles, and we are proud to lead this evolution.”

The Enlighten Award judging categories are:

1. Sustainable Product – Emissions, lightweighting, and safety advances in a production vehicle or major system module
2. Sustainable Process – Material reuse / recycling and water conservation advances in manufacturing
3. Module Lightweighting – Mass reduction of a vehicle module, subsystem, or component
4. Lightweighting Enabling Technology – Technology advancement that enables vehicle lightweighting, including a material, production process, design method, or joining technology
5. Future of Lightweighting – Process, material, or technology not in production, but has significant potential to advance vehicle lightweighting

“Collaborating with Altair on the Enlighten Award is always an honor, and we are excited to see it evolve to acknowledge innovations in sustainability,” said Carla Bailo, president and chief executive officer, Center for Automotive Research. “As the industry moves forward with electrification, the drive for increased lightweighting and sustainability is critical. This award co-sponsored with Altair demonstrates the breakthroughs needed to propel our industry forward.”

For more information and to submit an entry please visit https://www.altair.com/enlighten-award/. Entries must be received by May 31, 2021. Final judging will occur in July and winners will be announced in an awards ceremony on August 4, 2021 at the annual CAR Management Briefing Seminars (MBS).

About Altair (Nasdaq: ALTR)

Altair is a global technology company that provides software and cloud solutions in the areas of simulation, high-performance computing (HPC), and artificial intelligence (AI). Altair enables organizations across broad industry segments to compete more effectively in a connected world while creating a more sustainable future. To learn more, please visit www.altair.com.

PLANO, TX, USA, Feb 15, 2021 – Siemens Digital Industries Software announced the appointment of Bas Kuper as Senior Vice President and Managing Director for Asia Pacific, who brings more than 20 years of industry experience to the role. Kuper succeeds Pete Carrier, who will be taking over as Senior Vice President of Global Operations and Go-to-market (GTM) Transformation. In this role, effective immediately, Kuper and his team will leverage Siemens’ Xcelerator portfolio of software and services to help companies across Asia speed digital transformation.

Bas Kuper 

“Bas has been instrumental in Siemens’s continued global success, and under his leadership in Asia Pacific, Siemens will continue to foster close partnerships with our customers here, helping them pivot to a software-driven approach to manufacturing, and unlocking new efficiencies and opportunities in the global market,” said Bob Jones, Executive Vice President of Global Sales and Service, Siemens Digital Industries Software. “The Asia-Pacific region shows strong growth potential for Siemens, even amid a global pandemic, and I congratulate Bas on this new role.”

Kuper has held various leadership positions in his tenure with Siemens Digital Industries Software over more than 13 years and is recognized throughout the industry for his experience and thought leadership. Previously, he served as Country Manager for Belgium and Luxembourg and later as Vice President and Managing Director for Benelux and the Middle East/Africa region. Kuper will be based in Hong Kong with responsibility for Asia Pacific markets.

About Siemens Digital Industries Software

Siemens Digital Industries Software is driving transformation to enable a digital enterprise where engineering, manufacturing and electronics design meet tomorrow. The Xcelerator portfolio helps companies of all sizes create and leverage digital twins that provide organizations with new insights, opportunities and levels of automation to drive innovation. For more information on Siemens Digital Industries Software products and services, visit www.sw.siemens.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Siemens Digital Industries Software – Where today meets tomorrow.

UTRECHT, The Netherlands, Feb 15, 2021 – Ultimaker, the global leader in professional 3D printing, appointed Miguel Calvo as Chief Technology Officer and Senior Vice President Printers & Peripherals. Miguel Calvo started his new role on February 1^st, 2021 and will oversee research and development of Ultimaker’s full portfolio of 3D printers and peripherals. Miguel will also collaborate closely with Ultimaker’s key industry partners to ensure seamless integration of Ultimaker’s 3D printing platform into existing workflows.

Miguel Calvo

Prior to Ultimaker, Miguel Calvo was Development Director at Linx Printing Technologies, where he led the development of Linx’s innovative compact industrial Continuous Inkjet Printer. He has held multiple R&D leadership positions in several high-tech industries, including aerospace, clean power generation and material handling. Miguel started his career in the automotive industry, designing and developing Fuel Injection Equipment for the world’s leading vehicle Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).

“In my previous roles, I have witnessed first-hand the incredible impact that Ultimaker’s 3D printers and software have on accelerating product development and increasing productivity and flexibility in both an R&D and manufacturing environment. I look forward to working with the talented team and Ultimaker’s partners as I am truly impressed by how they continue to provide an easy to use, flexible and open 3D printing platform that enables sustainable manufacturing. I cannot wait to help the business outgrow the flourishing 3D printing market.” Miguel Calvo, CTO and Senior Vice President Printers & Peripherals at Ultimaker.

“Having Miguel join the Ultimaker Management team is super exciting and he is a great addition for the company. His extensive experience in a diverse range of high-tech industries, both hands-on in R&D and in several leadership roles, makes him the right person to further drive the development of our 3D printing platform that enables sustainable manufacturing. He has an impressive track record of building and leading strong organisations and I am positive that he will boost our bold growth ambitions tremendously.” Jürgen Von Hollen, CEO at Ultimaker.

About Ultimaker

Since 2011, Ultimaker has built an open and easy-to-use solution of 3D printers, software, and materials that enable professional designers and engineers to transform the way they manufacture. Over 400 employees work together to accelerate the world’s transition to digital manufacturing. For more information, visit https://ultimaker.com.

PARIS, France, Feb 12, 2021 – E-on software, a leading global developer of software for the creation, animation, rendering, and integration of natural 3D environments in the computer graphics, VFX, architecture, and gaming industries, announced the immediate availability of the 2021.1 Release of its VUE, PlantFactory and PlantCatalog Exporter software.

A new free trial version is also available of its VUE and PlantFactory software which includes all the updates from the new release.

The full release note details are available online at https://info.e-onsoftware.com/release-notesfebruary-2021.

Support for Pixar’s Universal Scene Description (USD) – technology preview

VUE, PlantFactory(1) and PlantCatalog Exporter can now export assets to *.usda, *.usdc and *.usdz formats.

Because USD is still in development, the supported features during import and export vary by each application. As of this release, the following asset types are supported:

1. Cameras and their properties such as depth of field, focal length etc.
2. EcoSystems (static and animated) with and without USD point instances
3. Single objects (static and animated)
4. Materials The company will add more features to the USD export as the file format itself continues to expand and support more content.

The company will add more features to the USD export as the file format itself continues to expand and support more content.

All three software titles also include a custom-tailored USD export preset dedicated to the recently released Nvidia Omniverse Open Beta.

Deeper integration with Cinema4D

The integration with Cinema4D has been completely revamped and encompasses:

1. Rewritten scene export to *.C4D file format with cameras, hierarchies and animation
2. Support for V-Ray 5 & Arnold in the conversion tool of the VUE plugin
3. The first release of the PlantFactory technology preview plugin for C4D

Interoperability and integration technology updates

The VUE integration plugins are now supported in Autodesk 3ds Max 2021, Autodesk Maya 2020 and Cinema4D up to R23. Additionally, both VUE and PlantFactory plugins are now compatible with V-Ray 5. VUE Convert tools can now use native host application instancing technologies to convert EcoSystem populations such as Arnold procedurals (3ds Max, Maya and Cinema4D) or Cinema4D multi-instances.

The PlantFactory importer plugins technology previews are also now supported in 3ds Max 2019 to 2021, Maya 2019 to 2020 and Cinema4D R20 to R23

Leaf clusters

PlantFactory now offers a leaf clusters creation toolbox. A leaf cluster is a baked texture map of high-resolution geometry which can be used for deriving lightweight plants that work especially well in real-time environments.

Leaf clusters support baking of Color / Diffuse channels, normal maps, backlighting, Ambient Occlusion and highlights from up to three different perspectives. In addition, it will autogenerate a component based on the leaf node with one, two or three crossed planes, which can be loaded immediately from the content browser as a ready-to-go-asset.

Other notable new features in VUE and PlantFactory 2021.1

As with previous releases, e-on software has also added many other new features and UI/UX enhancements such as:

1. All applications now natively support MacOS BigSur (running the apps on an M1 architecture still requires going through Rosetta 2 currently).
2. Added support for the Substance GPU engine with expected speed gains of up to 200%, depending on the Substance material.
3. Several new nodes in the Function Editor: For advanced normal map creation, RGB composer & decomposer as well as a “Normal” input; tree new cloud inputs: Cloud starting altitude, Cloud ending altitude and Cloud height.
4. The Path Tracer now supports both Relighting and NPR.
5. Real-world unit displacement mapping.
6. Vastly improved UV unwrapping
7. Up to 25% reduced computation time for complex plants with over a million polygons
8. New 3D displacement functionality for the segment node for utilizing vector displacement
9. New “Position in distribution” mode in the “Parent parameters” node, which respects the start and end distribution values for children
10. Improved compression of *.tpf species for smaller file sizes
11. Improved Ambient Occlusion preview in the 3D view
12. And a lot more

(1) Export and Integration Plugins are only available in Professional and Enterprise solutions\

300 New collection items

e-on software continues to release its owned content collection formerly sold on Cornucopia3D to users of its new software solutions. The 2021.1 release includes the last batch of over 300 new 3D assets comprised of atmospheres, materials, vehicles, animals, sample scenes etc. This finalizes the full former Cornucopia3D content collection representing a total of 1250 new free content assets added over the course of the last 4 releases.

Availability

The new update is available for download as a free software update for all registered users of the company’s VUE, PlantFactory and PlantCatalog solutions. Users will find the software update download links on their user account page (under the Software Center tab)

The 2021.1 trial versions are also immediately available at no cost from https://info.eonsoftware.com/try.

All VUE and PlantFactory software titles are available in English, French and German and perform under all versions of Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 10 (64 bit only), and Mac Intel (64 bit) for MacOSX 10.15+.

1. More information on VUE: https://info.e-onsoftware.com/vue
2. More information on PlantFactory: https://info.e-onsoftware.com/plantfactory
3. More information on PlantCatalog: https://info.e-onsoftware.com/plantcatalog

Video demonstrations for all available species in the PlantCatalog collection can be viewed on the company’s dedicated YouTube channel.

About e-on software

E-on software is the leading developer of solutions for the creation, animation, rendering and integration of natural 3D environments (VUE and PlantFactory). E-on software products are used worldwide by the film, television, architecture, game, science, educational and entertainment industries.

E-on software products were used in feature films such as “Dr. Strange,” “Kubo and the 2 Strings,” “Jupiter Ascending,” “Minions,” “Guardians of the Galaxy,” “The Croods,” “Dragons 1&2,” “Hunger Games,” “Hugo,” “Tintin,” “Super 8,” “Thor,” “Avatar,” “Clash of the Titans,” “Sucker Punch,” “Despicable Me 1&2,” “The Wolf Man,” “2012,” “Lovely Bones,” “GI Joe – The Rise of the Cobra,” “Land of the Lost,” “Terminator 4, “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,” “Indiana Jones 4,” “Monster Vs Aliens,” “Australia,” “The Spiderwick Chronicles,” “KungFu Panda,” “Pirates of the Caribbean 2” and TV series such as “Spartacus,” “Smallville,” “Battlestar Gallactica,” “Caprica,” “Stargate Atlantis,” “Stargate Continuum,” “The Vampire Diaries” and more. Read more on these stories in e-on software’s Spotlights section: https://info.eonsoftware.com/meetourusers

E-on software was founded on the premise that powerful graphics tools should never get in the way of the designer’s creativity. By investing significant resources in research and development, e-on software is able to deliver cutting-edge, user friendly technologies that produce stunning digital nature scenery.

In 2015, e-on software was acquired by Bentley Systems and now operates as an internal venture subsidiary.

E-on software is based in Paris, France. For more information visit http://www.e-onsoftware.com.

About Bentley Systems

Bentley Systems is a global leader in providing engineers, architects, geospatial professionals, constructors, and owner-operators with comprehensive software solutions for advancing the design, construction, and operations of infrastructure. Bentley users leverage information mobility across disciplines and throughout the infrastructure lifecycle to deliver better performing projects and assets.

Bentley solutions encompass MicroStation applications for information modeling, ProjectWise collaboration services to deliver integrated projects, and AssetWise operations services to achieve intelligent infrastructure – complemented by comprehensive managed services offered through customized Success Plans.

Founded in 1984, Bentley has more than 3,500 colleagues in over 50 countries, more than $700 million in annual revenues, and since 2012 has invested more than $1 billion in research, development, and acquisitions. For more information, visit www.bentley.com.

BALTIMORE, MD, USA, Feb 12, 2021 – With the increased frequency of cyber threats and more staff working remotely, the 2021.1 release of IMAGINiT Technologies’ Clarity suite of products includes a range of new security features. BIM project managers now have greater control with task creation and automation, can access more insights through smart data and model reporting, and can engage disparate teams while ensuring the model data remains secure.

Enhanced security advancements include:

1. Secure Project Visibility enables Clarity administrators to limit unauthorized team members from seeing projects marked as “secure”.
2. File Browse Restrictions & Helpers ensure that individual users do not automatically gain greater access to browse network files by limiting the ability to cut and paste network paths and replacing exact server paths with generic drive names.
3. Post Task Action Security gives administrators more control over the launching of scripts.
4. Disaster Recovery is made simple with timed back-ups explicitly designed for companies without dedicated IT teams running the full SQL Server.

“The best design automation and collaboration tools now incorporate features that protect companies from invasive and costly cyber threats,” says Bill Zavadil, chief operating officer, IMAGINiT Technologies. “Protecting data is critical as information is integrated into other applications throughout the workflow and is routinely exchanged between larger distributed teams.”

IMAGINiT Clarity 2021.1 is compatible with Autodesk Revit 2021. It includes integrations with Procore, BIM Track, Google Drive, Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and OneDrive, as well as enhancements to task automation and data reporting such as:

1. A new monitoring service saves valuable CPU processing time by identifying tasks that repeatedly fail and alerts essential team members.
2. External OData Links quickly share data within other applications such as Microsoft Power BI and Excel through the simple click of a link.

Clarity 2021.1 provides new features to enable design teams to work securely, efficiently, and make better decisions to achieve maximum model health and performance. New features continue to save customers more than 200 man-hours per project per year while minimizing costly issues such as model corruptions or data breaches. This improved efficiency resulted in a major milestone last year when total man-hours saved across all Clarity customer projects surpassed 1,0000,000 hours.

See Clarity 2021.1 Live

Learn more about the new features of IMAGINiT Clarity 2021.1 and the value that Clarity software adds to BIM projects by watching the Clarity 2021.1 launch on-demand.

To access more in-depth information on IMAGINiT’s Clarity software as well as a complete range of BIM technology solutions, visit www.imaginit.com/clarity or talk to an IMAGINiT expert at 1-800-356-9050.

About IMAGINiT Technologies

IMAGINiT Technologies, a division of Rand Worldwide, advances the way architects and engineers design, develop, and manage projects. Customers of this leading professional services and technology company include organizations in the building, infrastructure, manufacturing, and facilities management industries. Organizations of all sizes work with IMAGINiT Technologies to gain competitive advantages through expert technology consulting, implementation, training, and support services. As one of the world’s largest integrators of Autodesk 3D design and engineering software, the team leverages unrivaled industry experience to design systems that accelerate innovation while improving project quality and profitability.

BALTIMORE, MD, USA, Feb 12, 2021 – Rand Worldwide, Inc., the parent Company of IMAGINiT Technologies, Rand SIM, ASCENT and Rand 3D and a global leader in providing technology solutions to organizations with engineering design and information technology requirements, announced that its Chief Operating Officer, Bill Zavadil, has been promoted to the role of President effective February 1, 2021. Larry Rychlak will remain as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and will work with Mr. Zavadil on growth and operating strategies.

Bill Zavadil, President, Rand Worldwide, Inc.

“Bill has over thirty years’ experience leading successful teams and organizations in the design engineering industry and is the natural choice to lead Rand Worldwide for the coming years,” commented Mr. Rychlak.  “This is a well earned recognition and the logical next step for Bill.  I’m very pleased to continue working with him and our strong management team in consistently delivering outstanding results for our customers, our employees and our shareholders.”

“I look forward to taking on the additional responsibilities of the new role and thank the Board of Directors and Larry for the confidence that they have shown in me through this promotion,” stated Mr. Zavadil.  “Rand Worldwide, Inc. is extremely well positioned to grow and thrive in the ever-changing marketplace, and I’m very excited to help lead the Company to even greater heights.”

About Rand Worldwide

Rand Worldwide is one of the world’s leading professional services and technology companies for the engineering community, targeting organizations in the building, infrastructure, and manufacturing industries. The company advances the way organizations design, develop, and manage building, infrastructure, and manufacturing projects. Fortune 500 and Engineering News Record’s Top 100 companies work with Rand Worldwide to gain a competitive advantage through technology consulting, implementation, training, and support services. One of the world’s largest integrators of Autodesk software, the company also provides facilities management software from ARCHIBUS, Ansys simulation services and software via the Rand SIM team, CAD and PLM courseware through their ASCENT division and provides training and support solutions on Dassault Systèmes and PTC products. For more information, visit rand.com.

ANN ARBOR, MI, USA, Feb 12, 2021 – CIMdata, Inc., the leading global product lifecycle management strategic management consulting and research firm, announces a free educational webinar, “Defining a Practical Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) Roadmap.” The webinar will take place on Thursday, March 11, at 11:00 a.m. (EST) and last for one hour.

IT solutions, especially PLM solutions, are a complex mix of people, processes, and technology. Data needs to be organized and managed to optimize and improve business outcomes. Taking a PLM solution from vision to production to achieve what is required and promised is not trivial and needs a good plan or roadmap. In this webinar, CIMdata will discuss the benefits of having a well thought out roadmap and why having such a roadmap leads to good PLM implementation outcomes. This webinar will help attendees:

1. Learn strategies for success when planning a large PLM or digital transformation project.
2. Understand how to avoid scope creep.
3. Find out how best to engage solution providers to get a roadmap implemented.
4. Learn how a roadmap fits into an overall PLM implementation plan.
5. Learn how to use a roadmap for PLM project approval.
6. Better understand how to use a roadmap to ensure your PLM solution meets expectations.
7. Identify gaps in their current PLM plans and roadmaps.

According to webinar host Tom Gill, CIMdata’s Practice Manager for PLM Enterprise Value & Integration, “Without a roadmap, it’s hard to get where you need to go. A well-defined roadmap helps give the implementation team a plan to get the needed solution implemented with as few detours as possible. A roadmap is a critical element for any solution implementation plan.”

Tom Gill has 30 years of experience applying computer-based solutions to engineering and manufacturing. Before joining CIMdata, he worked as an independent PLM consultant after spending more than 20 years at high-volume manufacturing companies. Mr. Gill has worked in numerous industries, including fabrication & assembly, food & beverage, defense, chemical, and medical devices. He has executed PLM strategy projects, solution evaluation and selection projects, deployment planning, and training development for industrial clients.

This webinar will help anyone who wants to learn how to develop and use a PLM implementation roadmap.

During the webinar, attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions about the topics discussed.

1. To find out more, visit: https://www.cimdata.com/en/education/educational-webinars/webinar-defining-a-practical-plm-roadmap.
2. To register for this webinar, please visit https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/4422735356504290320.