The Heart of 3DEXPERIENCE

Dassault Systemes’ Living Heart project relies on the company’s 3D design and engineering analysis software to create an interactive, beating digital heart. (Image courtesy of Dassault Systemes.)

A more photorealistic version of the Living Heart, visualized in Dassault Systemes software. (Image courtesy of Dassault Systemes.)

It was a rare moment of earnest emotions when Dr. Steve Levine, Dassault Systemes’ chief strategy officer for the SIMULIA brand, revealed during his keynote speech at the 3DEXERIENCE Forum that the fictional character Emily in the animated movie illustrating The Living Heart Project was inspired by his own daughter, who was born with reversed heart chambers.

So why is a cardiovascular case study on the agenda of an annual event that draws manufacturing executives, automotive engineers, and aerospace designers? Because Dassault Systèmes, the host of 3DEXPERIENCE Forum, thinks life science is the next frontier it can conquer with its 3D software. The emphasis in on experience—digital versions of real-world experiences. Just as it has enabled car makers to model, design, simulate, and test vehicles and aircraft in its 3D design and engineering software, Dassault thinks medical professionals could use the same technology to simulate biomedical phenomenons, like a beating heart.

Dr. Levine’s inspiration: his daughter, now an MD/PhD student. “Harmonize Product, Nature and Life” is real #3DXforum pic.twitter.com/XxNJBsWorE

— Asheen Phansey (@asheen) November 12, 2014

On Wednesday Nov 12, Dassault’s life science initiatives hit a milestone. Bernard Charles, CEO of Dassault, joins Dr. Levine on stage to announce that the company has signed a five-year collaborative research agreement with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

“Enabling healthcare players to create innovative patient experiences is Dassault Systèmes strategic aim in Life Sciences,” said Jean Colombel, Vice President, Life Sciences, Dassault Systèmes. “Through Dassault Systèmes’ 3DEXPERIENCE platform tailored to address unmet medical needs, as demonstrated here in cardiovascular, we support generation of new healthcare solutions and collaborative practices that will ultimately improve patient outcomes and increase patient accessibility.”

The interactive 3D beating heart is made possible with SIMULIA, the same software automakers and aircraft makers use to simulate the mechanical operations and aerodynamic behaviors of their products. In 3D CAVE environments with stereoscope vision (like the one at Dassault’s Boston headquarter), researcher could literally walk through the digital heart to study it inside-out.

In the last couple of years, Dassault began assembling industry-specific bundles to cater to different market segments. In late 2012, the company introduced Perfect Shelf, followed by Perfect Package. Both target the consumer packaged goods market. Similarly, Dassault came up with Licensed to Cure suite for medical device manufacturers; and My Collection for Fashion and My Store for consumer goods market.

Rebrandings its CATIA, ENOVIA, and SIMULIA products as 3DEXPERIENCE platform allows Dassault to expand beyond traditional manufacturing and seek new opportunities. Dassault’s rival Siemens PLM Software is also edging into medical device and life sciences.

Dr. Leving’s daughter, the real-life heart patient who gave Dr. Levine the impetus to get involved in The Living Heart project, is now studying medicine at Stony Brook University.