The business unit of the German conglomerate Siemens has ventured into 3D rendering and virtual reality (VR) through its latest acquisition of Lightwork Design. The Sheffield-based company, known for its expertise in computer software and technology licensing with a particular focus on 3D rendering software and VR, will now join Siemens PLM Software, a division within Siemens’ Digital Factory unit.
Tony Hemmelgarn, Chief Executive of Siemens PLM Software, commented on the acquisition, stating, “With this acquisition, we increase the accuracy of the digital twin by adding advanced visualisation, rendering, and virtual reality technology into all phases of the virtual product development process. The visualisation and virtual reality space is continually changing and growing, and Lightwork Design has the advanced 3D data visualisation, rendering, and virtual reality technology required to help keep us at the forefront of the marketplace.”
Lightwork Design, originally acquired from Mobeus following a £1.9 million management buyout in 2006, has since been grouped with Machineworks under VSI Ltd. David Forrester, the Chief Executive of Lightwork Design, remarked, “The demand for high-end, interactive, and consistent product visualisation in design and manufacturing is growing quickly. Combining our Iray+ technology and virtual reality collaborative design review software with Siemens PLM Software’s business will enable us to provide world-class solutions to the design and manufacturing industry on an even larger scale. We look forward to the opportunities for further development and integration of our visualisation technology with existing Siemens software to contribute to Siemens’ broader digitalisation strategy.”
Lightwork Design’s technology is already integrated into Siemens’ 3D design application NXTM software, and there are plans to expand its utilisation across Siemens’ portfolio. The strategic acquisition is expected to enhance Siemens’ capabilities in advanced visualisation and virtual reality, thus supporting its ongoing digitalisation efforts in the design and manufacturing sectors.
The acquisition of Lightwork Design by Siemens marks a significant step forward in the field of 3D rendering and virtual reality, poised to enhance Siemens’ position in a rapidly evolving market. By integrating Lightwork’s advanced technologies, Siemens aims to further its digitalisation strategy and provide superior solutions within the design and manufacturing industries.