What’s the difference between topology optimization and generative design—and why does it matter when building advanced components? In this hands-on lab, we’ll explore the tools and workflows that helped Elara Aerospace design a launch-ready, record-breaking rocket built to survive the extreme forces of spaceflight. You’ll follow guided exercises in Autodesk Fusion software, learning how to harness both generative design and topology optimization to reduce mass, increase strength, and improve overall performance under tight constraints. We’ll walk through how to define loads, constraints, and materials. We’ll cover how to interpret and compare outcomes. And we’ll explore post-process geometry for manufacturability. You’ll gain practical experience in setting up a generative design study, comparing it with topology optimization, and understanding when and why each approach is appropriate. By the end, you’ll understand the theory—and have built and optimized a component for spaceflight-level performance.

How do we take innovation from one part of manufacturing and ignite transformation in another? In this session, we’ll continue the Autodesk–ModuleWorks journey around the Manufacturing Data Exchange Specification (MDES) and explore a bold new chapter: the emergence of third-party Autodesk Fusion plug-ins that bring advanced technology directly to the shop floor. We’ll spotlight SmartRoughing, the next-generation roughing toolpath initially launched in partnership with Kennametal. See a live example of how MDES and an open ecosystem allow deep tooling know-how to be deployed seamlessly inside workflows. But this session will go beyond just one toolpath—it’ll introduce "cross-pollination of manufacturing technology,” where ideas leap across disciplines to unlock new value. We’ll also preview how this approach is paving the way for technology in emerging areas, demonstrating how the same innovation model can extend manufacturing into the industrial mainstream.

There is no single way to design a new product. The design principles needed to manufacture a coffee maker will be different from those needed for an electric vehicle. So, why can’t today’s software tools adapt to meet designers' needs? Generative AI may offer a path forward to enabling product designers to adopt agile and adaptive design workflows and support the design of complex assemblies. In this interactive session, we’ll take an in-depth look at an early-stage software prototype for AI-assisted assembly design, developed by Autodesk Research. Participants will gain insights into how the researchers used large language models (LLMs), multimodal data, and system modeling to design products from 1D to 3D. Join us if you’re a product designer, software engineer, or UX designer interested in advancing your understanding of assembly design and learning how this new innovative technology can shape the future of Design and Make industries.

In the world of engineering and design, speed and precision are crucial. Whether you’re working on complex mechanical systems, architectural plans, or intricate product designs, the time it takes to create and modify engineering drawings can make or break a project. This session will address both efficiency and faster, accuracy-creating engineering drawings in Autodesk Fusion software. We’ll explore the following innovative solutions/workflows and time-saving best practices that will help you accelerate your drawing process in Fusion: The power of Drawing Automation, Integration, & Customization, smart usage of drawing templates, techniques to speed up dimensioning and annotation, the magic of “shift” button in the Fusion Drawings, hidden gems “osnaps,” cut-copy-paste in Fusion Drawings, more than “just” a sheet bar, reusing title blocks across drawings, and many more. The goal of this session is to empower you with the knowledge to work smarter, not harder, and make your engineering drawing process more efficient and effective using Fusion.

In this session, we will travel on the journey of how students and staff at NYU created Project Mjolnir: the world’s first open-source, adaptive mountain bike to enable those with disabilities to participate in the sport of adaptive mountain biking. We’ll look at how we help students develop industry skills through experience-based learning, the methodologies we use, and the outcomes we produce with a project that goes beyond the boundaries of the university. The team has built and ridden more than 20 adaptive mountain bikes in different parts of the world, enabling people with disabilities to experience the outdoors in ways they never thought they could. Incorporating design to accommodate off-the-shelf bicycle components, an adaptable frame design, and the ability to self-build the bike, we aim to drive down the cost to a third of current offerings—as well as empower and grow a community of adaptive bike builders through educational experience-based learning.

Jam out with us as we explore how Avnet has amplified the music industry and is revolutionizing design workflows across all industries, powered by the free Avnet Add-in for Autodesk Fusion. Enjoy a live performance by Rogelio (AKA Kello) Gonzalez, Applications Engineering Manager at Avnet, and internationally acclaimed bass guitarist. From the stage to space, Avnet is pushing boundaries, innovating, and delivering what’s next. Don’t miss this dynamic showcase of creativity and technology.

Get started with the brand new Assembly Constraints experience in Autodesk Fusion. This short and snappy session will teach you how to set up and use constraints to assemble components efficiently. You'll learn the key methods for creating constraint connections between components to speed up your assembly workflows. We'll cover real-world examples from industries like consumer products, highlighting the versatility and power of Fusion Constraints in different contexts. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced user, this class will equip you with the essential skills needed to master Fusion Constraints. Don't miss out on the chance to learn how to use this brand new Fusion feature in your workflows.

Assembly design is on the edge of a transformative leap. This session will introduce a groundbreaking approach that harnesses agentic artificial intelligence (AI) to redefine how we conceive, simulate, and build complex assemblies. We’ll explore early-stage research and prototypes demonstrating how intelligent agents can collaboratively generate geometry, streamline workflows, model dynamic systems, and adapt designs in real time based on performance feedback. If you work with systems design, simulation, or multidisciplinary workflows, this session will challenge your assumptions and offer a glimpse into the future of AI-augmented engineering. Prepare to rethink what’s possible!

Everywhere you look within Autodesk University, from mainstage to industry keynotes, everyone is talking about Autodesk Fusion software. You've heard how it’s Autodesk’s design and manufacturing platform and that it’s growing faster than any other software in the industry. But you likely still wonder what it’s like to actually use it. Fusion must be something truly special to make everyone so obsessed with this CAD/CAM tool, right? In this AU hands-on lab, you'll experience firsthand what the fuss is all about. Through hands-on exercises, learn how to create a design from scratch, analyze that design, and even optimize it. Then, you'll learn how to program your design for computer numerical control (CNC) milling so you can turn your idea into a reality. You heard that Fusion is the complete end-to-end solution, but now you'll have the opportunity to experience it in action, guided by a team of experts. If you're curious about Fusion, but have never tried it yourself, this beginner-friendly lab is for you!

When friends reminisce about the 70s, 80s, and 90s, receiving a musical greeting card for their birthdays was truly a joyful experience. Gently unfolding the paper card to hear the Happy Birthday song was a simple yet delightful pleasure. Even after the birthday, revisiting the heartfelt wishes written by friends while listening to the melody brought back cherished memories, often accompanied by a smile. These moments are among the beautiful memories of that era. Inspired by these nostalgic thoughts, why not create a DIY mini rabbit bell and bring it back to home to share with others about the special moment from Autodesk University? Fusion is excellent for seamless integration of MCAD and ECAD. In this 90-minute class, you will craft your very own Rabbit Bell from scratch using Fusion. You could bring one Rabbit Bell PCB board back to home.

This will be a live demonstration of Alias 2025 software—showcasing the latest features in Alias 2025 and providing a sneak preview of new technologies under development. See firsthand how Alias is still an evolving and powerful surface modeling package for designers.

This session will showcase a new workflow of creating a factory layout in Autodesk Factory Design Utilities software and using FlexSim to validate the throughput of the layout, identify potential bottlenecks, and balance resource use. We will also discuss the product roadmap for Factory Design Utilities and FlexSim, as well as the vision for Autodesk Fusion digital factory. Learn how Autodesk is paving the way to connected data and seamless workflows in the Autodesk Fusion industry cloud, as well as enabling factory designers and industrial engineers to validate factory layout designs.

With the ever-increasing demands in manufacturing, end users require best-in-class solutions from all their vendors, which ultimately make their businesses more profitable and successful. At the same time, manufacturing companies must currently invest resources in combating data silos and data translation tasks that do not bring business value. Strong partnerships between hardware and software solution providers can ensure the highest productivity and the smoothest processes for end users. MDES is an open specification that enables the Autodesk Manufacturing Community to benefit from a seamless experience when investing in the latest, cutting-edge manufacturing solutions. In this session, the audience will learn how MDES facilitates a smooth integration between Fusion 360 and other key manufacturing assets—from high-performance cutting tools to crash-proof CNC machines—and how MDES enables a seamless data workflow.

In this session, we'll cover a plethora of tips and tricks for the Autodesk Fusion Manufacture workspace. We'll touch on the Milling, Turning, and Fabrication environments, and go over a large collection of items from basic to advanced levels. If time permits, we may even touch on some design elements.

This abstract outlines the development of an MSC add-in for Autodesk's Fusion 360, aimed at elevating productivity and efficiency for metalworking manufacturers by integrating advanced digital solutions that embody Industry 4.0 innovations while embracing Industry 5.0's focus on human centricity, sustainability, and supply chain resilience. The platform features advanced simulation and predictive machining tools for optimal tool selection and process parameters, using MSC's proprietary data to enhance operational forecasts. It seamlessly integrates with Fusion 360 for streamlined process planning and analysis, creating a unified manufacturing experience. Additionally, the add-in offers robust data analytics to generate actionable insights, improving productivity, tool performance, and operational efficiency. This initiative represents a transformative approach to manufacturing, combining technological advancements with a commitment to sustainable, people-focused processes.

Rivian Automotive is adapting to digital transformation by automating the setup of its prototype machining centers using Configurations in Autodesk Fusion software to improve flow and allow for adjustability in the setup of its manufacturing process. In this session, experts from Rivian and Autodesk will guide you on your journey to a more sustainable and automated approach to setting up your machining operations using Configurations. Spend more time programming your parts and less time setting them up to maximize your efficiency and reduce waste. Improve collaboration between departments by keeping a centralized, cloud-based, easy-to-use work-holding setup. See how Rivian reduces human error and rework by always simulating machining operations when using various high-end professional machining centers and expensive raw materials across multiple locations throughout the United States. Apply lessons learned in this technical instruction to save time and automate your design and manufacturing processes using configurations throughout Fusion.

Sit down with the Inventor product team and discuss your most pressing issues, concerns, and questions about Inventor. A number of Inventor team members will be available to answer your questions. What are the best practices for maximizing your Inventor usage? How are Inventor projects prioritized and chosen for each release? Where is Inventor going in the near future? Model States, building information modeling (BIM) workflows, Drawings, Sheet Metal, Autodesk Fusion vs. Inventor—all your favorite topics are open for discussion.

Discover how a manufacturer is embracing servitization to deliver value beyond just machines. Learn how Autodesk Platform Services facilitate the creation of digital twins, enabling the development of innovative digital services. Explore a real-world case study of a manufacturer using these tools to create customized solutions on its cloud platform, connAct. connAct is a white label version of the N+P Plattform, which utilizes APS tools such as the Viewer, ACC APIs, and more. Gain insights into the transformative potential of servitization and digital twins in driving business growth.

This class will uncover the expanding capabilities of the Autodesk Fusion Electronics workspace Signal Integrity Extension, tailored for the modern demands of rapid design in connected consumer products. We'll focus on the groundbreaking partnership between Autodesk and Ansys, which is revolutionizing printed circuit board (PCB) simulation processes. Participants will learn how this collaboration enhances simulation precision and speed, enabling engineers to accelerate product development and market entry while conserving resources. Discover practical strategies and tools that you can integrate into your workflows to optimize design efficiency and effectiveness. This class is ideal for professionals seeking to use innovative PCB design complemented with simulation technologies to stay ahead in a competitive market.

The Autodesk Factory Experience at AU is where attendees get a hands-on experience of the concept-to-production process using Autodesk Fusion software. Last year, the Autodesk team designed and developed a customizable keypad for Autodesk apps, using PCBs, 3D printing, injection molding, and sheet fabrication. Attendees had explored the mini-factory floor and tailored their own keypads with computer numerical control (CNC)-engraved keys with frequently used Autodesk app commands. The AU 2024 Factory Experience: Keypad 2.0 Sustainability Redesign is focused on Autodesk's commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency in manufacturing. This overview will cover insights into common product design and manufacturing challenges that many companies face in their efforts to reduce energy consumption and prioritize eco-friendly, nonpolluting processes that are safe for employees, communities, and consumers—with help from brilliant Fusion design social influencers, sustainability partners, and amazing Autodeskers!