Visualizing tomorrow

Imagine a doctor using a three-dimensional simulation of a patient’s heart to diagnose, and determine the best possible treatment for, a cardiovascular issue with an incredible degree of certainty. Imagine a surgeon having access to an exact virtual rendering of the same patient’s heart before performing a procedure.

Imagine a car company, thanks to 3D design technology, being able to produce a prototype vehicle it knows with nearly absolute certainty will meet crash safety requirements on the first try.

Imagine architects utilizing simulations to design a building that provides maximum protection against natural disasters, such as earthquakes.

Then imagine all of the benefits – in terms of efficiency, positive outcomes and opportunities for innovation – those scenarios would provide.

In the Northwoods office complex off Atwood Avenue, formerly the home of FM Global, one division of a leading international company is working to realize such possibilities.

“Today, anybody can create…we want to be able to help people really innovate the next thing,” said Scott Berkey, CEO of SIMULIA, during a tour of the company’s offices with U.S. Rep. Jim Langevin and state Rep. Stephen Ucci last week. “Simulation powers innovation…what we do is realistic simulation.”

SIMULIA is a brand of Dassault Systèmes, a French-based software company with offices around the globe and clients in a broad range of industries, from aerospace and defense to life sciences and consumer goods. Formerly based in Providence, SIMULIA, which employees approximately 350 employees, most in research and development, became the first tenant of the Northwoods complex in November.

“It’s really a fabulous facility,” said Berkey, who highlighted an “Employee Hub,” videoconferencing room and other features of the roughly 94,000 square feet SIMULIA now occupies. “Everybody really likes it here.”

Last week’s visit served primarily to highlight two key areas of focus for SIMULIA: the “Living Heart Project” and the brand’s work in the renewable energy field.

Mike Dombroski, a technical specialist, outlined the ongoing work on solar, hydro and wind energy. In terms of solar, he said, SIMULIA is helping produce panels that provide maximum protection against extreme elements. Its technology is also helping produce panels that are more efficient and affordable, making solar more viable in the marketplace.

In terms of hydro and wind power, he said, SIMULIA’s tools help answer key questions – what material would be best to use, or how to prevent defects in the pouring of concrete.

“We have all the technology that can give [clients] confidence to answer those questions correctly,” he said.

One striking scene from a video presentation accompanying his talk showed simulations of individual pieces of hail striking the blades of a wind turbine, from which data could be culled regarding how such weather would affect the structure.

Roger Keene, vice president of worldwide operations for SIMULIA, noted that simulations could also be used to determine the optimal lifespan of renewable energy systems and other infrastructure, such as highways connectors and overpasses.

“You want to run it as long as you can to get the maximum value of your investment, but not too long,” he said.

Technical specialist Lori Bonygne spoke about the “Living Heart Project,” a collaborative effort on the part of researchers, educators, medical device developers, regulators and clinicians to provide highly accurate, personalized renderings of the human heart for a variety of applications.

“You can’t take a living heart and watch it beat in the physical world,” she said, but can in the virtual one.

The potential benefits, Bonygne said, are immense. Medical devices could be perfected before being built or implanted in a patient. Regulators could be put far more at ease. Doctors and surgeons could have tools once only dreamed of.

Innovation, as a result, would flourish. And those suffering from heart disease, the leading cause of death in the United States, carrying costs that are expected to surge even further in the next decade, would benefit the most.

“The power of this, and the potential of this, is really amazing,” she said.

Berkey noted that the company is self-funding the project and working with a range of partners, including Brown University.

As part of the presentation, Langevin and Ucci were invited to test out the heart simulation technology using 3D glasses, a laptop and a television screen.

“This is incredible,” Ucci said as he manipulated the virtual heart on the tablet.

Langevin praised SIMULIA for the “incredible work you’re doing,” and the two lawmakers indicated they plan to visit again to discuss other aspects of the brand’s operations.

“I’m glad you’re in Rhode Island,” Langevin said. “We’ve got to keep you here.”