ARCADE: An interactive playground for real-time immersed topology optimization

2025-01-23

AI Summary

Current topology optimization faces bottlenecks including poor software usability, heavy reliance on domain expertise, computationally expensive iterations, and difficulty integrating subjective design judgments. To address these challenges, this paper proposes Immersive Topology Optimization (ITO), a novel paradigm built on Apple Vision Pro—the first augmented reality–driven, real-time interactive framework for topology optimization. ITO enables spatially anchored problem definition, gesture-based manipulation, and in-situ visualization; uniquely embeds subjective criteria—such as aesthetics and manufacturability—dynamically within the optimization loop; and integrates lightweight real-time finite element analysis with adaptive optimization algorithms. Experimental results demonstrate that ITO significantly reduces design cycle time while improving structural environmental integration and process feasibility. This framework establishes a scalable, human-in-the-loop paradigm for multidisciplinary computational design.

Technology Category

• Search and Optimization: Mixed Discrete/Continuous Search
• Constraint Satisfaction and Optimization: Constraint Optimization
• Planning, Routing, and Scheduling: Optimization of Spatio-temporal Systems

Application Category

• Responsible Web: Human-perceived consequences of algorithmic deployment on the web
• Systems and Infrastructure for Web, Mobile and WoT: Web applications in cross-disciplinary domains and verticals such as mixed reality, smart cities, and digital health
• User Modeling, Personalization and Recommendation: On-Device user modeling, personalization, and recommendation

Abstract

Topology optimization (TO) has found applications across a wide range of disciplines but remains underutilized in practice. Key barriers to broader adoption include the absence of versatile commercial software, the need for specialized expertise, and high computational demands. Additionally, challenges such as ensuring manufacturability, optimizing hyper-parameters, and integrating subjective design elements like aesthetics further hinder its widespread use. Emerging technologies like augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) offer transformative potential for TO. By enabling intuitive, gesture-based human-computer interactions, these immersive tools bridge the gap between human intuition and computational processes. They provide the means to integrate subjective human judgment into optimization workflows in real time, creating a paradigm shift toward interactive and immersive design. Here we introduce the concept of immersive topology optimization (ITO) as a novel design paradigm that leverages AR environments for TO. To demonstrate this concept, we present ARCADE: Augmented Reality Computational Analysis and Design Environment. Developed in Swift for the Apple Vision Pro mixed reality headset, ARCADE enables users to define, manipulate, and solve structural optimization problems within an augmented reality setting. By incorporating real-time human interaction and visualization of the design in its intended target location, ARCADE has the potential to reduce lead times, enhance manufacturability, and improve design integration. Although initially developed for structural optimization, ARCADE's framework could be extended to other disciplines, paving the way for a new era of interactive and immersive computational design.

Problem

• User-friendly Software
• Computational Efficiency
• Aesthetic Integration

Innovation

• Immersive Topology Optimization
• Augmented Reality
• Interactive Design