The Future of Making Things
Autodesk’s primary focus for IMTS 2016 (booth E-3222) is The Future of Making Things; what technology is being developed right now that can be used to improve the future? With this in mind, there are many booths that will be showcasing products with a similar vision for the future, some of which will offer the opportunity to experience the future for themselves.
Today’s Technology Centre
Visiting Today’s Technology Centre (TTC) will be a great chance to get a preview of what technology we are likely to see in our everyday lives in the very near future.
Incorporating state of the art material and systems technology, the Airbus H130 Helicopter’s redesigned Turbomeca Arriel 2D turbine engine offers greater power and lower fuel consumption than its predecessors. Its fully automatic digital engine control (FADEC) has allowed the H130 a greater maximum take-off weight, meaning it can now accommodate up to 7 passengers. Another interesting feature on show is the impact resistant composite blades, making it the quietest helicopter in its class. A vibration control system and a crash resistant fuel system make it much safer and easier to pilot. Airbus will be giving show goers the chance to sit in the cockpit and experience some of this innovative technology first hand.
The EcoCar competition challenges teams from 16 universities across North America in the 4-year competition (2014-2018) to enhance a Chevy Camaro by maintaining its performance but making it more energy efficient.
Ohio State will be bringing their 2016 Camaro to showcase at TTC. After being crowned victorious in the previous competition, EcoCar 2, they are eager to defend their title this time round. The student’s aim for their EcoCar 3 vehicle is to reduce the 0-60mph time to under 6 seconds whilst having 45 miles or more of all electric range. This is a fascinating project and is definitely worth visiting to find out more of what the team has to offer and how they will be going about this project in the coming years.
The GM Cadillac CT6 is the flagship vehicle for the luxury brand, and will be joining the TTC booth at IMTS to demonstrate what vehicles could look like in the very near future. Cadillac are keen to show that they are setting new standards of materials used in the automotive industry. The innovative use of laser welding to connect aluminium body and structural steel frame, has the potential to transform vehicle manufacture and result in significant weight reductions and fuel savings.
I.M.T.S. Ride Experience
The Strati vehicle, which was developed by the Local Motors team at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, first made an appearance at IMTS 2014. It was printed using a BAAM (Big Area Additive Manufacturing) machine in partnerships with Autodesk software, then built and assembled live at the show in front of spectators. A newly updated and improved version will be returning to the show this year, giving attendees chance to experience the ride and understand the technologies that we can expect to see in vehicles in the very near future.
Today’s Technology Centre can be found in the West Building, booth W-20. The I.M.T.S. Ride Experience in the North Building, booth NC-790.
Auto Images from https://www.imts.com/show/attractions_todaystech.html
Guy Buttle
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