Maplesoft to Produce New Tools for Knowledge-Rich Physical Modeling for Toyota

7 November 2007

Under a multi-year contract with Toyota Motor Corporation, Maplesoft, a leading provider of high-performance software tools for engineering, science, and mathematics, will produce advanced physical modeling tools to help Toyota move to a new product development process called Model-Based Development (MBD).

Key features of the new process include Control System Design and Physical (“Plant”) Modeling based on a symbolic approach.

Toyota has been one of the earliest among industrial companies to embrace Model-Based Design, the concept of creating a computer-based model of a system to analyze, test, improve, and optimize the design before actually building the physical system. In the initial stages, this was used in the design, simulation, and implementation of control systems using tools from companies such as The MathWorks. Toyota is now expanding its scope with the development of the new Model-Based Development process.

The goal of MBD is to improve time-to-market, quality, and reliability, while reducing cost. Physical modeling requires a symbolic approach to computations in order to accurately and efficiently represent real-world physical systems. Toyota has recognized Maple as an important part of this framework, providing the ideal mathematical environment for Physics-based modeling. Maple is an advanced software tool from Maplesoft that derives and solves complex sets of equations, simplifies large sets of equations, develops advanced mathematical models, and creates user-friendly technical applications.

Tools developed by Maplesoft will provide the fundamental mathematical framework for physical modeling within the Model-Based Development throughout Toyota. All areas of engineering development such as engines, transmissions, suspensions, braking systems, climate control systems, and in-vehicle electronics stand to gain from the use of the new set of modeling tools.

Model-Based Development will set new industry standards for the use of software tools and models in automotive systems development. Symbolic computation, pioneered by companies like Maplesoft, makes new design methods a reality today. Automotive companies like us will realize further improvements in cycle times, cost optimization, and smoother implementation of extremely complex systems.

—Akira Ohata, Project General Manager of Toyota Motor Corporation

As part of the partnership, Maplesoft and Toyota are doing pioneering work in other yet-to-be-announced projects as well. The two companies are also leading a Physical Modeling Consortium, which brings together leaders in the automotive industry to share ideas and advance the development of Rapid Plant Modeling Methodology based on symbolic computation.