Case Study: Aichi University Technology achieves validated autonomous-robot designs for hands-on engineering education with Altair HyperWorks

Engineering Design Using a Small Autonomous Robot for Student Education

Aichi University Technology (AUT) needed a hands-on way to teach practical engineering design by building a small autonomous robot for the ARLISS student competition, which requires a robot to survive a ~4,000 m rocket drop, touchdown, then autonomously navigate to a target. To address hard-to-predict internal stresses and ensure optimal construction, AUT used Altair tools — notably Altair HyperWorks® with OptiStruct® and MotionSolve® — for CAE-based structural and dynamic analysis during design and prototyping.

Altair’s HyperWorks suite was applied to evaluate impact loads at launch and landing, vibration during running, and overall structural integrity, guiding material and geometry choices (CFRP monocoque body, urethane sponge wheels) and validating the final design. Using Altair’s tools, AUT confirmed no mechanical abnormalities during tests and the robot successfully reached its goal in the ARLISS demonstration, demonstrating measurable validation of the design and a successful practical engineering education outcome.

Aichi University Technology