Engineering simulation tools have become an integral part of industrial innovation, addressing the significant challenges that society faces today. With the continuous advancements in computational capabilities, simulation has evolved to play a crucial role in the design and development of new products.

From the days when computations took weeks on early personal computers to now being completed in milliseconds on standard laptops, the progress in software and hardware has been remarkable. However, the current state of simulation technology has reached a scalability limit, transitioning from computational constraints to a scarcity of human expertise in operating complex simulation software.

Expanding the reach of simulation tools to a wider audience and integrating them into all stages of a product’s lifecycle is essential to overcome the existing growth barriers. Future innovations must not only focus on enhancing accuracy and speed but also on simplifying the complexity inherent in simulation processes.

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and large language models (LLMs) into simulation automation presents a promising opportunity to democratize simulation technology. By leveraging these technologies, simulation tools can be made accessible to a broader user base, potentially revolutionizing the industry.

Moreover, the industrial metaverse and generative AI have the potential to democratize simulation further, opening up new markets and opportunities. Market projections suggest substantial growth in the Digital Twin market and the industrial metaverse, indicating a significant shift in the industry landscape.

To realize this vision, future design environments will need to offer an engaging and interactive experience akin to a video game while maintaining industrial-grade quality. Efforts are underway to address current barriers such as user experience and cloud computing access, paving the way for a more inclusive and innovative simulation industry.