How AI-Powered Simulation Transforms Digital Engineering Projects

AI-powered simulation changes that equation. By testing scenarios virtually, predicting outcomes with accuracy, and optimizing resources early, teams can reduce risk and make faster, more confident decisions.

At ARKANCE, we work with construction and manufacturing customers to apply simulation tools and machine learning models that strengthen performance today - and build resilience for the future.

Why AI-Powered Simulation Matters

Across engineering and construction, rising costs, labor shortages, and stricter regulations are putting projects under strain. Traditional methods often cannot keep pace, leaving organizations vulnerable to missed deadlines and unplanned expenses.

AI-powered simulation enables teams to test scenarios with precision, plan on the basis of reliable data, and minimize risks before they escalate.

Evidence shows that digital resilience pays off. According to research from the MIT Center for Information Systems Research, digitally mature firms (“Digirati”) are approximately 26% more profitable than their competitors - demonstrating the clear financial advantage of digital maturity.

As ARKANCE customer Unispace Life Science found in their transformation journey, aligning people, processes, and technology through digitalization “creates a foundation for smarter decision-making and better project outcomes.”
 → Read the Unispace Life Science case study

Benefits of AI-Powered Simulation for Engineering Projects

Faster Design and Prototyping

AI design simulation accelerates early development by applying surrogate models that reduce time for testing and validation. Instead of building multiple physical prototypes, teams can explore thousands of options virtually.

In manufacturing, this approach has transformed how facilities are planned and optimized. As ARKANCE’s recent blog From Concept to Reality: The Role of Digital Twin Technology in Factory Design notes:

“Digital twins have become essential tools for engineers - they help predict maintenance needs, optimize energy use, and improve asset performance.”

Improved Cost Control and Efficiency

Cost reduction depends on identifying inefficiencies early. AI-powered simulation detects potential design or production issues before they become expensive rework.

Autodesk reports that companies advancing digitalization achieve up to 60% higher profitability, showing the tangible financial benefit of embedding simulation into everyday operations.

A recent ARKANCE project with Baltisches Haus illustrates this perfectly. In designing the innovative ŽALI shopping centre, the team used an AI-enabled BIM environment to integrate data from design through to operation, improving cost predictability and coordination.

“We set ourselves the goal of building a shopping centre of the future – to show that things can be different: more efficient, smarter and greener. BIM technology was an obvious choice,” says Audrius Masionis, the CEO of Baltisches Haus. “We decided to use a maximally detailed BIM model not only at the design stage, as is common, but also for construction and later maintenance.”

→ View the Baltisches Haus /ARKANCE case study

Stronger Compliance and Sustainability

AI models can incorporate sustainability metrics such as carbon emissions, material impact, and energy efficiency directly into the design phase. This supports compliance with ISO 19650, Net Zero targets, and BIM mandates - reducing the risk of non-compliance later in the project.

As seen in the Baltisches Haus project, early integration of sustainability checks within the Be.Smart toolset ensured that design efficiency and environmental goals were achieved simultaneously.

Smarter Decision-Making

Data-driven engineering simulation enhances decisions by connecting models within a Common Data Environment (CDE). This centralized visibility ensures that every stakeholder is aligned with real-time data.

As David Noblet, Vice President, ARKANCE Software Engineering puts it “By bringing all data together in one environment and leveraging AI-powered tools, engineers can easily model, test, simulate, and validate with confidence, enabling faster and more informed decision-making.” 

At ARKANCE, our professional services teams help organizations overcome these challenges with proven adoption frameworks and training programs that embed simulation into operations without disruption.

Emerging Trends in AI-Powered Simulation

AI is evolving fast in engineering.

Generative AI is now used to produce design variants quickly - allowing teams to test more options in less time and accelerate innovation.

Physics-informed machine learning models are emerging too, combining computational speed with engineering accuracy.

Similarly, real-time digital twins are extending simulation into the operational phase, enabling predictive maintenance and continuous optimization.

As explored in ARKANCE’s blog Digitalization in Manufacturing: Building Resilience Through Smart Operations:

“Through digital twins and real-time simulation, manufacturers can validate production scenarios before implementation - reducing risk and waste.” Says Scott Wolven,

Cloud integration with High-Performance Computing (HPC) provides the scalable resources required for complex simulations. At the same time, sustainability-first design is embedding environmental performance checks into early-stage workflows.

These advances position AI simulation as a central force in improving efficiency, resilience, and sustainability across engineering.

How ARKANCE Supports AI-Driven Simulation

At ARKANCE, we help customers adopt AI-powered simulation in ways that deliver measurable results. Our technology consultants build clear transformation roadmaps that align technology with strategic goals, supported by hands-on implementation and training.

With deep Autodesk expertise as a Platinum Partner, multi-vendor integration capabilities, and 35+ Be.Smart applications developed from real project experience, we provide the framework for success - from concept modeling through to real-time operations.

This combination of consulting and technology has earned the trust of 40,000 customers across 192 countries, managing over 400,000 user licenses worldwide.

Transformation takes a team. We’re your people.

About ARKANCE

ARKANCE is the world’s largest global Platinum Partner for Autodesk, with the largest pool of engineering, consulting, and development experts dedicated to supporting AEC and manufacturing companies in their digital transformation. With 1,200+ professionals in 19 countries, we deliver technology, expertise, and guidance built on deep industry knowledge. ARKANCE is part of Monnoyeur, a century-strong leader in industrial transformation.

www.arkance.world