An engaging panel discussion at the recent NAFEMS World Congress in Salzburg brought together a diverse group of experts from industry leaders and research institutions like Rolls-Royce, NVIDIA, Siemens Energy, and the German and Netherlands Aerospace Centers (DLR and NLR) to dissect the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) in engineering simulation (Figure 1).

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are transforming how mechanical engineers approach simulations and design new products. Despite notable successes across automotive, aerospace, and energy sectors, challenges remain. Data quality, model verification, integration complexity, and workforce training are critical concerns.

This article first introduces the unique perspectives of each panelist and then discusses the highlights of the ensuing discussion, covering the most promising applications, the critical role of data, and the path toward integrating these intelligent methods into established engineering workflows.

This article appeared in the July 2025 Issue of BENCHMARK.