LAS VEGAS, NV, USA, Jan 9, 2020 – CES 2020 – MSC Software Corporation (MSC),  part of Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence division, announced Adams-ready VTD, combining industry-leading vehicle dynamics and virtual test drive simulation to accelerate the development of next generation Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and safe autonomous vehicles.

Passenger vehicles can already read traffic signs or detect passing traffic, but these ADAS 2+ functions depend on improved sensor fusion – the process of merging data from multiple sensors to near certainty so electronic systems can make safe decisions. At the same time, future autonomous driving algorithms require realistic test data for research and model training. Launched today, Adams-ready VTD accelerates development by simulating how a dynamic moving vehicle and its sensors will behave in complex road environments.

Using Adams simulation software, automotive manufacturers have validated vehicle dynamics models with road tests to understand a vehicle’s movements and handling. By means of an open interface, it is now possible to ‘drive’ these vehicles in a simulated road environment provided by the Virtual Test Drive (VTD) platform.

Safety system development

ADAS systems must protect people, even in extreme circumstances at the physical limits of the vehicle. Adams-ready VTD simulates a vehicle’s movements based on the road conditions (eg. slope, friction) to determine the vehicle behavior (eg. will a car skid or roll) and evaluate the best course of action (eg. whether to change lane, or how much to brake).

Luca Castignani, Automotive Strategist, MSC Software commented: “Simulation must be accurate to centimeters, not meters, because a split second makes the difference in the most complex of circumstances. With Adams-ready VTD, we have brought software development and automotive engineering together so the industry can move from ‘what should the vehicle do?’ to ‘can the vehicle cope with this command? and develop the next generation of safe vehicles'”

Sensor perception

Accurate information from cameras, RADAR/LiDAR or satellite navigation is relied upon by ADAS systems to make safety-critical decisions. Now the blind spots caused by vehicle-road dynamics can be identified to determine which sensors to rely upon, when. For example, ensuring that a car driving over a speed bump is able to perceive a pedestrian, even if the camera vibrations prevent tracking.

Vehicle Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) can evaluate how sensors function when subjected to vibrations or changes in orientation, so they can cost effectively develop sensor fusion between road tests. Luca Castignani, Automotive Strategist, MSC Software explaned: “The perception of a camera mounted on a truck cabin can change significantly relative to radar measurements during a braking manoeuvre – so what’s the proximity to the car in front? We are enabling ADAS engineers to develop robust test cases like this to improve confidence in the decisions they make and develop accurate sensor fusion.”

Adams models can now be used directly in VTD 2019.1 using the open Functional Mock-up Interface (FMI), with flexible configuration to simulate any vehicle including trucks with more than 4 wheels and trailers. VTD guarantees synchronicity for robust simulation with Adams at real time, or faster. Companies can now “bring their own AI” using an open interface to insert their driver-in-the-loop into VTD, then test and train their self-driving algorithms in a more accurate simulation with richer data.

VTD 2019.1 supports OpenDRIVE 1.5 and OpenSCENARIO 0.9 interoperability standards and features enhanced LiDAR simulation with more accurate GPU-accelerated ray-tracing and capabilities to simulate surface interaction. It is available for Red Hat Linux 7.3, with optional Docker containerisation of modules to aid the integration of VTD into customers virtual test environments and simplified deployment to cloud or on-premise infrastructure.

About Hexagon | About MSC Software

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.

MSC Software, part of Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence division, is one of the ten original software companies and a global leader in helping product manufacturers to advance their engineering methods with simulation software and services. Learn more at www.mscsoftware.com. Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence division provides solutions that utilise data from design and engineering, production and metrology to make manufacturing smarter. For more information, visit hexagonmi.com.

Hexagon (Nasdaq Stockholm: HEXA B) has approximately 20,000 employees in 50 countries and net sales of approximately 3.8bn EUR. Learn more at hexagon.com and follow us @HexagonAB.

IRVINE, CA, USA, Jan 9, 2020 – MecSoft Corporation, the developer of industry leading CAM software solutions, has announced the availability of the following CAM products.

1. RhinoCAM 2020, the latest version of MecSoft’s fully integrated CAM plugin for Rhinoceros 5 & 6
2. VisualCAD/CAM 2020, the latest version of MecSoft’s standalone CAD/CAM product

Release highlights include:

1. New G-code editor module for previewing and editing G-code files
2. New Profile-Nesting module for nesting profile toolpaths
3. New Mill-Turn module for C axis mill programming on a lathe
4. Fixtures – Ability to define fixtures in all CAM toolpaths
5. Numerous features and feature improvements in 2 ½, 3, 4 & 5 Axis machining
6. Simulation – Taper tool holder collision as well as fixture collision detection
7. Other Productivity and User Interface enhancements

Click on the links for a more detailed documentation of What’s New in RhinoCAM 2020 and VisualCAD/CAM 2020.

Free demo software downloads of RhinoCAM and VisualCAD/CAM 2020 can be requested here.

About MecSoft Corporation

Headquartered in Irvine, California, MecSoft Corporation is a worldwide leader in providing Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) software solutions for the small to mid-market segments. These solutions include products VisualCAD/CAM, RhinoCAM, VisualCAM for SOLIDWORKS, AlibreCAM and VisualCAMc for Onshape. These software products deliver powerful, easy-to-use and affordable solutions for users in the custom manufacturing, rapid prototyping, rapid tooling, mold making, aerospace, automotive, tool & die, woodworking, and education industries.

For the latest news and information, visit mecsoft.com or call (949) 654-8163.

SAN RAFAEL, CA, USA, Jan 8, 2020 – Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADSK) announced the pricing of its notes in an aggregate principal amount of $500 million in an underwritten, registered public offering. The notes will mature on January 15, 2030 and will bear interest at an annual rate of 2.850 percent. The notes are Autodesk’s senior unsecured obligations. The offering is expected to close on January 14, 2020, subject to customary closing conditions.

Autodesk intends to use the net proceeds from the sale of the notes for general corporate purposes, which will include repaying $450 million in aggregate principal amount of its 3.125 percent notes due June 15, 2020, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon together with a redemption premium.

BofA Securities, Inc., Citigroup Global Markets Inc. and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC acted as joint book-running managers for the offering.

The offering of the notes is being made pursuant to an effective shelf registration statement filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). The offering of the notes will be made only by means of a prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus, copies of which may be obtained from:

These documents will also be filed with the SEC and will be available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any of the notes, nor shall there be any sale of these notes in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.

About Autodesk

Autodesk makes software for people who make things. If you’ve ever driven a high-performance car, admired a towering skyscraper, used a smartphone, or watched a great film, chances are you’ve experienced what millions of Autodesk customers are doing with our software. Autodesk gives you the power to make anything. For more information, visit https://www.autodesk.com

WALTHAM, MA, USA, Jan 8, 2020 – Following latest technology trends, AMC Bridge has released an enhanced web version of the CADtoEarth technology demonstration and an updated prototype for Autodesk Revit.

PITTSBURGH, PA, USA, Jan 8, 2020 – FLIR Systems and ANSYS (NASDAQ: ANSS) are collaborating to deliver superior hazard detection capabilities for future assisted driving and autonomous vehicles (AVs) — empowering automakers to deliver improved vehicle safety. Through a technical collaboration, FLIR Systems will integrate a fully physics-based thermal sensor into ANSYS’ leading-edge driving simulator to model, test, and validate thermal camera designs within an ultra-realistic virtual world.

Current AV and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) sensors cannot dependably identify objects in darkness and through smog, inclement weather, shadows and sun glare. Thermal cameras, however, can effectively detect and classify objects in these conditions. Integrating FLIR Systems’ thermal sensor into ANSYS VRXPERIENCE, will enable engineers to simulate thousands of driving scenarios across millions of miles in mere days and reduce physical prototyping. Engineers can also simulate uncommon and difficult scenarios where thermal excels, including wildlife encounters and distinguishing pedestrians from other roadway objects in low-contrast environments. The new ADAS solution will slash OEMs’ development time by optimizing thermal camera placement for use with systems such as automatic emergency braking (AEB) and within future AVs for the critical aspect of pedestrian detection.

“Combining FLIR Systems’ cutting-edge automotive thermal cameras with ANSYS’ industry-leading solutions will further improve road hazard detection, helping vehicles sense objects four times farther than the illuminating distance of typical headlights,” said Paul Clayton, general manager at FLIR Systems. “Enabling engineers, automakers and auto suppliers to rapidly simulate and test countless scenarios greatly reduces reliance on physical prototype testing while cutting development costs and the time required to test. This results in increasing the adoption of thermal technology in automotive safety to help save lives and livelihoods.”

“FLIR Systems’ automotive thermal cameras enhance the safety and reliability of ADAS, creating smarter AVs that improve decision making in challenging road environments,” said Eric Bantegnie, vice president and general manager at ANSYS. “Leveraging ANSYS’ solutions will enable FLIR Systems to design groundbreaking thermal cameras and empowers automakers to speed the creation and certification of AVs.”

About ANSYS, Inc.

If you’ve ever seen a rocket launch, flown on an airplane, driven a car, used a computer, touched a mobile device, crossed a bridge or put on wearable technology, chances are you’ve used a product where ANSYS software played a critical role in its creation. ANSYS is the global leader in engineering simulation. Through our strategy of Pervasive Engineering Simulation, we help the world’s most innovative companies deliver radically better products to their customers. By offering the best and broadest portfolio of engineering simulation software, we help them solve the most complex design challenges and create products limited only by imagination. Founded in 1970, ANSYS is headquartered south of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.A. For more information, visit www.ansys.com.

LAS VEGAS, NV, USA, Jan 8, 2020 – BlackBerry Limited (NYSE: BB; TSX: BB) and ANSYS (NASDAQ: ANSS) are joining forces to support BlackBerry QNX’s industry-leading real-time operating system (RTOS) for connected and autonomous vehicles. As part of ANSYS’ ongoing commitment to fostering an open ecosystem that supports RTOS leaders across industries, the collaboration will empower automotive manufacturers to increase safety and reliability, reduce development cost and shorten time-to-market for next-generation automobiles and autonomous systems.

BlackBerry QNX and ANSYS are enabling OEMs to minimize risk by combining ANSYS SCADE’s® embedded software development environment with the QNX Neutrino® operating system, both certified to ISO 26262 ASIL D level — the automotive industry’s most stringent safety standard and highest level of certification.

As the next generation of vehicles becomes more connected, automated and autonomous, they also become more complex and vulnerable to cyber-attacks. In addition to design and engineering challenges, manufacturers also face unprecedented levels of safety certifications. OEMs must balance connectivity, AUTOSAR compliance and versatility with safety and security.

“The electronic automotive architecture is quickly evolving from being hardware-driven to software-defined and with our software embedded in more than 150 million vehicles on the road today, BlackBerry QNX is perfectly positioned to address the evolution,” said Grant Courville, Vice President, Products and Strategy at BlackBerry QNX. “Through our work with ANSYS, we can significantly enhance our support of the biggest OEM and Tier 1 brands in the automotive industry and support them throughout all design steps — from functional application design up to on-target integration.”

“We are committed to an open ecosystem that supports customers around the world with best-in-breed technology, solutions and collaborations,” said Eric Bantegnie, Vice President and General Manager, Systems Business Unit at ANSYS. “By integrating our industry-leading embedded software design environment for critical applications with BlackBerry’s proven QNX RTOS, ANSYS remains the frontrunner in the industry. This technical alliance is an important milestone for our overall ANSYS Autonomy solutions that span embedded software development, systems design, cybersecurity threat and functional safety analysis, autonomous systems, physical and driving simulation, and AI-based embedded software validation.”

About ANSYS, Inc.

If you’ve ever seen a rocket launch, flown on an airplane, driven a car, used a computer, touched a mobile device, crossed a bridge or put on wearable technology, chances are you’ve used a product where ANSYS software played a critical role in its creation. ANSYS is the global leader in engineering simulation. Through our strategy of Pervasive Engineering Simulation, we help the world’s most innovative companies deliver radically better products to their customers. By offering the best and broadest portfolio of engineering simulation software, we help them solve the most complex design challenges and create products limited only by imagination. Founded in 1970, ANSYS is headquartered south of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.A. For more information. visit www.ansys.com.

About BlackBerry

BlackBerry (NYSE: BB; TSX: BB) is a trusted security software and services company that provides enterprises and governments with the technology they need to secure the Internet of Things. Based in Waterloo, Ontario, the company is unwavering in its commitment to safety, cybersecurity and data privacy, and leads in key areas such as artificial intelligence, endpoint security and management, encryption and embedded systems. For more information, visit BlackBerry.com and follow @BlackBerry.