1 day Ago By Mainara Screpanti
Evolutionary algorithms in engineeringMechanical design is a crucial area of engineering, responsible for creating products and systems that directly impact various sectors, from automobiles to home appliances and medical devices. Optimization, in turn, plays a key role in finding solutions that meet performance, functionality, and, most importantly, cost requirements. In recent years, there has been a growing trend of using evolutionary algorithms to optimize mechanical designs, an approach that is transforming the way companies tackle complex challenges.
In a scenario where production costs are under constant pressure and the search for innovation is relentless, optimizing mechanical designs has become strategically important. According to a study conducted by McKinsey & Company, companies that adopt efficient design practices can reduce new product development costs by up to 30%. Additionally, optimizing performance—whether in terms of durability, energy efficiency, or functionality—is one of the main drivers of competitiveness in the global market.
However, the complexity of modern projects requires advanced solutions that go beyond traditional engineering. This is where evolutionary algorithms come into play. With that in mind, to better understand the topic, we spoke with one of the most renowned professionals in the field of mechanical design and optimization, Chethan Shivappa Thenehalli, a 38-year-old mechanical engineer from India.
With over 15 years of experience, Chethan has stood out for his use of evolutionary algorithms, among other innovative methodologies, to improve mechanical designs. In an exclusive conversation, Chethan shared his perspective on how these algorithms are shaping the future of mechanical engineering. "Evolutionary algorithms are a powerful tool for optimizing mechanical designs, especially in areas such as cooling systems, laboratory equipment, and medical devices.
In my work with cold storage devices, for example, we were able to significantly improve design efficiency by applying evolutionary optimization methods," explains Chethan, who currently serves as Lead Mechanical Engineer III at Thermo Fisher Scientific. According to the expert, these algorithms allow for exploring a wide range of design possibilities while simultaneously finding solutions that meet strict performance and cost criteria—something that would not be possible with traditional methods. With a solid background, Chethan holds a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Texas at Arlington and is currently pursuing an MBA at the University of Iowa.
His experience includes leading engineering teams at renowned companies such as Thermo Fisher Scientific, Whirlpool, and Lennox International. Throughout his career, Chethan has demonstrated an exceptional ability to apply methodologies like Six Sigma and Value Engineering (VAVE), resulting in notable advancements in cost reduction and process improvement. He is also responsible for patents on innovations aimed at increasing energy efficiency in products such as refrigerators and ice-making systems, highlighting his contribution to improving the performance of household appliances and laboratory equipment.
"Continuous innovation and the use of new technologies are essential for us to tackle the challenges of modern engineering. Optimizing designs through evolutionary algorithms is just one way to ensure that we are creating more efficient and effective solutions for our clients," concludes Chethan. Chethan explains that, in the context of mechanical design, the use of evolutionary algorithms is not limited to the development of new products.
They are also crucial for improving existing designs, adapting them to new market needs and increasingly stringent regulatory requirements. "In sectors like medical devices and laboratory equipment, compliance with regulatory standards such as ISO, FDA, and Energy Star is essential. Design optimization using evolutionary algorithms helps meet these requirements while reducing costs and improving product performance," says the expert.
The use of these algorithms in optimizing mechanical designs allows for a more detailed and precise analysis of the variables involved in the development process, enabling the identification of improvement opportunities that might go unnoticed with conventional approaches. This not only results in more efficient products but also in faster and more cost-effective production processes. The Impact of Innovation on the Global Market Chethan is an example of how mechanical engineering is evolving to meet the demands of an increasingly competitive and dynamic market.
His work is globally recognized, having been awarded the Exceptional Performance Award and the Exceptional Leadership Award by Whirlpool Corporation. He also actively contributes to the advancement of engineering through publications and lectures, in addition to being a member of renowned institutions such as the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). His vision and expertise are a clear example of how optimization through evolutionary algorithms is becoming an essential tool in the development of new mechanical products and in enhancing existing ones.
As challenges in mechanical engineering become more complex, the use of evolutionary algorithms stands out as one of the key tools for optimizing designs while balancing performance and cost. Professionals like Chethan are at the forefront of this revolution, demonstrating that innovation in mechanical design is not only a matter of creativity but also of the intelligent application of technologies that promote excellence in all aspects of the development process. "For me, engineering is a journey of continuous learning and innovation.
I believe that by combining my technical background with my business perspective, I am able to offer solutions that not only meet customer requirements but also exceed their expectations," concludes Chethan..
