Autotool Selects DELMIA V5 Robotics Solution

7 July 2006

Software Being Used to Simulate Robotic Welding & Assembly Cells

AUBURN HILLS, Mich.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 28, 2006--Dassault Systemes (DS) (NASDAQ:DASTY - News; BOURSE:DSY) (EURONEXT:13065), a world leader in 3D and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) solutions, today announced that automation system design specialist Autotool, Inc. (Dublin, Ohio), is using the DELMIA V5 Robotic solution for programming and simulation of its robotic automotive assembly cells and lines. By simulating robot motions during design, Autotool can verify that the robots will be able to achieve all the required motions and that there will be no interferences. This means that when a system gets to the build phase, a huge amount of retool time is eliminated--up to 30% savings in tool design, and a 40% reduction in the number of machines, tools and work centers, according to a 2003 CIMData study on digital manufacturing. Autotool selected DELMIA V5 Robotics after speaking with various customers who recommended this solution. Its ability to interface with various CAD programs was recognized as a definite benefit. According to Steve Forrest, Autotool design engineer, DELMIA V5 Robotics has quickly proved its worth.

"We have used the software on a project where, without DELMIA V5 Robotics simulation, it would have been impossible to figure out how to have the robots interface with the various fixtures," said Forrest. "The two robots were in a fixed position. Simulation allowed us to optimize placement of the six different fixtures so that the robots could reach all positions and avoid any interferences."

DELMIA V5 Robotics is a 3D scalable, flexible, easy-to-use solution for tooling definition, workcell layout, robot programming, and workcell simulation. It can capture the underlying philosophy of and intent of the robot programmer. This enables the company to capture and reuse best practices, leverage programming knowledge, and automate the repetitive work of robot programming.

Autotool is currently using DELMIA V5 Robotics to create "what if" scenarios on an existing line where new equipment options are being analyzed. Autotool is creating a mockup design of the line and using simulation to study a number of new production scenarios including the addition of capital equipment as well as changes in the existing process. "V5 Robotics allows us to look at many different layout options and to quickly analyze where new equipment can be placed in relation to the robots to make sure there are no collisions," said Forrest. "Additionally, we avoid any investment in unnecessary capital equipment because we're proving everything virtually."

About Autotool Founded in 1994, Autotool began with a vision of supplying automotive manufacturers and their suppliers with one source for their tooling and automation needs, from concept to finished product. Believing that a company is only as good as its people, they recruited electrical and mechanical engineers with an in-depth understanding of tooling design and years of experience in their respective fields. Their unique "hands-on" approach supports their customers throughout the installation of and mass production of every project. It is this hard work and dedication which has provided the foundation for their continued growth and expansion over the years. In 2000, Autotool moved to its current location, with the construction of a 40,000 square foot manufacturing facility. This expansion allows them the flexibility of completing large projects or several smaller ones concurrently. Autotool's reputation has been built on quality, precision and cleanliness, and they "accept nothing less than our customers total satisfaction." Information about Autotool Is available at http://www.autotoolinc.com

About DELMIA

DELMIA is a premier brand for digital manufacturing solutions, focused on two unique software applications that can be used to streamline manufacturing processes. DELMIA Automation provides solutions to digitally design, test and validate the control of a machine, workcell, or entire factory line and DELMIA PLM provides the process and resource capability to enable continuous creation and validation of manufacturing processes as related to the product throughout the entire product lifecycle. DELMIA serves industries where the optimization of manufacturing processes is critical, including automotive, aerospace, fabrication and assembly, electrical and electronics, consumer goods, plant, and shipbuilding sectors. Information about DELMIA is available at http://www.delmia.com