A startup co-founded by Imperial researchers is developing software to design complex mechanical components.

 .

Co-founder Dr Marco Pietropaoli in the Department of Aeronautics last year participated in Techcelerate, an Imperial programme that helps early-career researchers develop technology ventures based on their research. The startup, TOffeeAM , has now secured business from customers including energy giant General Electric.

 .

“Our software uses state-of-the-art maths models combined with artificial intelligence to design and improve components such as those used in aircraft and car engines,” Dr Pietropaoli explains.

 .

“Twenty years ago, our technology would have been useless but it’s really important right now. The introduction of 3D printing in the aeronautical and automotive industries means we’re able to build really intricate components. Our software is able to find those complex and optimised designs.

 .

“We can create more efficient, more resilient and more robust components. They might be lighter, or they might help reduce fuel consumption. The advantage of designing components in this way is what we call ‘robust optimisation’, which means they can cope with errors in design data or in manufacture.”

 .

Click here to view original web page at www.imperial.ac.uk