This year’s Autodesk University Extension Dubai threw a special focus on design and how it helps shape the world. Experts from the firm highlight how technology could help propel us forward
Global software firm, Autodesk, organised its fourth edition to Autodesk University Extension (Aux) Dubai at the Dubai World Trade Centre on 16 December 2015. Through the one-day interactive conference and exhibition, the firm presented a number of advances toward the future of making things and new technologies that would help attendees navigate and thrive in this shifting landscape.
This year under the theme, ‘Insight, Innovation, Inspiration’, AUx had more than 800 regional design and engineering professionals coming together for a hands-on experience exploring advanced technologies.
Louay Dahmash, head of Autodesk Middle East, said: “Technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT), augmented and virtual reality and robotics will change the way engineers and designers work. Places and things are more connected, intelligent and dynamic than ever before. Our event is timely and strategic as there are countless ambitious and futuristic projects underway across the Middle East.”
Its flagship Autodesk University in Las Vegas attracts over 30,000 attendees, while it also has functioning universities in Germany and Russia, and other extensions taking place all over the world.
The event covered a vast range, from technologies that aid the AEC industry to useful information for manufacturers, media and entertainment professionals.
Naji Atallah, head of AEC and manufacturing Middle East and Turkey at Autodesk, observes that though the event in Dubai had a lot of scope, there is sharper focus on the AEC industry. “The overall focus in this region itself is the AEC industry, thus majority of the attendees come from the same industry.”
Atallah says that AUx give a glimpse of what the future holds. The event showcased latest advancements and technologies that could one day be functional in society. It’s sort of a giant crystal ball but for being backed by solid facts and science.
Atallah terms these kind of high-tech technologies displayed as “disruptive”. He says: “By disruptive I mean these technologies have the capacity to change the status quo. These technologies can change the way an entire society functions and affects an entire spectrum rather than just one sector.”
Observing the upcoming trends in 2016, Atallah says that there is definitely more technology being used on the field in construction. “Traditionally engineering data or engineering technology, used to be restricted to the office environment, which is ironic because most of the spending happens on the construction site itself. By using technology for onsite work, companies would be saving on a huge expenditure. So we promote the use of technology onsite through cloud data and the use of social applications.”
AUx Dubai 2015 also served as a forum for design and engineering professionals to upgrade and validate their skills by obtaining Autodesk Certifications at the event, as well as connecting with peers and experts.