For anyone who doesn’t know about MathWorks, could you tell us a little bit about what it does?
MathWorks is the leading developer of mathematical computing software and has two flagship platforms, MATLAB and Simulink. MATLAB is a programming environment for algorithm development, data analysis, visualization, and numeric computation. Simulink is a block diagram environment for simulation and Model-Based Design of multidomain and embedded engineering systems. Engineers and scientists worldwide rely on these products to accelerate the pace of discovery, innovation, and development in automotive, aerospace, communications, electronics, industrial automation, and other industries.
MATLAB and Simulink are also fundamental teaching and research tools in the world’s top universities and learning institutions.
What trends have you noticed developing in the area of mathematical computing?
Engineers’ and researchers’ increased usage of cloud platforms and applications is a significant development. While this has been ongoing for years with consumer apps, we’re seeing a substantial uptick in the volume of cloud-first customers that want their data, tools, and platforms in the same environment.
The catalyst behind cloud computing is the enhanced usage of IoT devices. Sensors are not just in industrial machinery anymore; they’re in nearly every electronic product on the market today and have altered people’s expectations around product performance and connectivity. MATLAB and Simulink make designing and validating products easier for companies adapting their products for the IoT age.
Could you give us any particularly interesting examples of how MathWorks solutions for the cloud are being used?
Using MATLAB and Simulink in the cloud lets engineers and scientists speed up their development processes by providing on-demand access to enhanced compute resources, software tools, and reliable data storage. Businesses can:
- Gain instant access to MATLAB and Simulink in a web browser using MATLAB Online and Simulink Online.
- Connect MATLAB code to cloud data and other services from Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and more.
- Scale long-running computations and simulations to CPUs, GPUs, or compute clusters in the cloud.
- Integrate MATLAB with cloud-based continuous integration systems to automate code testing and improve code quality
- Deploy MATLAB and Simulink models and incorporate custom MATLAB and Simulink analytics into cloud-based applications without recoding in another language.
I read that in March MathWorks focused its software updates on “reaching beyond its traditional scientific base – and eyeing up autonomous vehicle developers”. How are those updates doing this?
The automotive market isn’t new to us because our tools have been used to create embedded software for decades. However, we see many forward-looking automakers like Tesla, Toyota, and others adopting a solid commitment to using software as an essential differentiator in their customer experience. Automated driving systems rely heavily on the cloud and AI technologies, and our flagship platforms help engineers integrate and validate their designs.
In what ways is MathWorks helping to deal with climate change with progress in clean energy products, climate research, and financial risk and sustainability?
The global proliferation of electric vehicles (EVs) is an essential countermeasure against climate change and an area where we help. What’s important to understand about EVs is that they require more and smarter software to control and manage their power. MATLAB, Simulink, and Simscape enable engineers to front-load EV development by systematically using data and models. Automakers can use pre-built reference applications to lower the barrier for simulation, model batteries, develop battery management systems (BMS), model traction motors, develop Motor Control Units (MCU), and more.
Mathworks is taking part at IoT Tech Expo Europe 2022 in Amsterdam on September 20-21. Register to attend for free here.