We’re excited to host Dr. Faez Ahmed, Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at MIT, where he directs the Design Computation and Digital Engineering Lab. His research interests lie at the intersection of Artificial Intelligence and engineering design, focusing particularly on first‑principle generative AI and optimization algorithms, multi‑modal representation learning, and engineering design methodology with human–AI design co‑pilots.

Abstract: Generative AI is transforming how we create, customize, and accelerate digital content. Yet applying these tools to engineering design introduces unique challenges, from maintaining precision under evolving requirements to working effectively in data-scarce environments and interpreting designer intent. In this talk, I will discuss these challenges and show how emerging engineering-focused foundation models are beginning to address them, reshaping workflows in areas such as vehicle design, CAD automation, and design optimization. I will highlight new opportunities enabled by generative AI that integrates multimodal data with engineering simulations and optimization, and present examples of AI-driven design co-pilots for engineering tasks. The talk will conclude with a perspective on how AI enables us to broaden design democratization, accelerate innovation cycles, and fundamentally reshape the role of engineers.