Altair (Nasdaq: ALTR), a global leader in computational science and artificial intelligence (AI), is pleased to announce its participation in the POLYTRONICS project as an associate partner. By leveraging digital twins and smart models based on the convergence of simulation, AI, and high-performance computing (HPC), Altair will bring its technical expertise and vision to POLYTRONICS and will help small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) accelerate AI implementation in product design and manufacturing and reach digital maturity.

Supported by the cluster named POLYMERIS, POLYTRONICS is one of the 10 French European Digital Innovation Hub (EDIH) projects selected and funded by the European Commission. It aims to support SMBs working in the polymer materials sector (plastics, textiles, elastomers and rubbers, and composites) in their digital transitions by introducing AI in product design and manufacturing processes. 

According to a study led by L’observatoire de l’Industrie Plastique, 52% of these companies have reached the first stage of digital maturation, but only 7% are involved in using data and AI to improve their manufacturing processes. 

"A number of these companies manufacture products in traditional plants using production methods which do not, or hardly, integrate data or sensors on the production lines. In this project, Altair will help SMBs use AI to capture exploitable data on products and improve manufacturing processes,” said Hossein Shakourzadeh, director of university relations and research projects, Altair France. “Altair will help these companies improve their manufacturing methods and meet the European Green Deal’s objectives for a cleaner, more competitive Europe.”

POLYTRONICS includes approximately 20 companies that specialize in AI, robotics, data management, sensor integration, mechatronics, and polymer materials. It will expose companies to experts in many different fields and help them facilitate AI implementation. By integrating AI from the first stage of design, polymer products will become more sustainable, and companies will be able to minimize waste production by increasing quality control and decreasing the upstream scrap rate. By supporting these companies’ digitization, Europe envisions a far cleaner, more sustainable industry. 

“Polymeris wanted to bring together a consortium close to the reality of companies working in the polymer sector to provide specific, targeted, quality support,” said Annabelle Sion, head of European projects and partnerships, POLYMERIS. “The Polytronics partners were selected for their expertise in the areas covered by the project, particularly Altair for its expertise and history in AI and related technologies.”

The companies involved in the POLYTRONICS initiative will benefit from a customized program and services that include: 

• Testing before investing: an initial awareness and diagnostic phase on how they use data and dedicated technical support with easy access to laboratories, testing and experimentation equipment
• Skills and training
• Investment support, including simplifying access to financing tools 
• Innovation ecosystem and networking: opening doors across Europe through technical and commercial collaborations with other European EDIHs.

For more information about POLYTRONICS, visit https://polymeris.eu/reader/polytronics-winner-of-the-edih-call-for-projects.html.

About Altair

Altair is a global leader in computational science and artificial intelligence (AI) that provides software and cloud solutions in simulation, high-performance computing (HPC), data analytics, and AI. Altair enables organizations across all industries to compete more effectively and drive smarter decisions in an increasingly connected world – all while creating a greener, more sustainable future. For more information, visit https://www.altair.com/.