Dassault Systèmes Ushers in a New Era of Industrial Innovation with AI-Powered Virtual Companions

Thanks to generative processes and virtual companions, Dassault Systèmes is pushing the boundaries of industrial innovation with the launch of AI-driven virtual companions designed to revolutionize how industry customers approach design and manufacturing engineering. The company introduced these “Virtual Companions” on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform in February 2026, building on its 3D UNIV+RSES vision unveiled a year prior.

Introducing Aura, Leo, and Marie

Dassault Systèmes has developed three virtual companions: Aura, Leo, and Marie. Marie answers scientific questions, Leo addresses engineering challenges, and a third companion, displayed at Mobile World Congress, answers questions about the event itself. These AI experts are designed to help users navigate complexity, solve problems, and accelerate innovation.

Empowering Users with “Superpowers”

“I’m very excited about our new virtual companion because it’s going to give superpowers to the people working at my customer premises, and they’re going to be able to solve new challenges quicker,” said Florence Verzelen, executive vice president at Dassault Systèmes . The goal is to enable humans and AI to collaborate safely, intelligently, and at scale on complex industrial challenges.

Connecting the Virtual and Real Worlds with Virtual Twins

Dassault Systèmes provides virtual twins to create innovative new products and services, aiming to connect the virtual and real worlds. According to Verzelen, this allows manufacturing companies, such as those in the automotive industry, to test vehicle designs, engineering, and manufacturing processes in a virtual environment. This enables optimization for factors like weight reduction and CO₂ emission reduction before physical production begins .

Generative AI and the Future of Industrial Design

Dassault Systèmes is engaging with customers to power their virtual twins with generative AI (Gen AI). This includes utilizing virtual companions to improve team efficiency and leveraging generative processes to adapt quickly to regulatory changes, accelerate research and development, and create new materials .

Addressing Adoption Concerns

Verzelen expressed concern that some companies may be sluggish to adopt this revolutionary technology and risk falling behind. The company is focused on ensuring a smooth transition and maximizing the benefits of AI-powered virtual companions for its customers.

Beyond Large Language Models

Virtual Companions go beyond Large Language Models, being grounded in science and decades of industry knowledge. They combine Industry World Models, AI, and multi-scale, multi-discipline modeling and simulation validated by the laws of physics and materials science . They understand user intent, reason, and orchestrate actions across the entire product lifecycle, ensuring accuracy and traceability .

By linking the virtual and real worlds, Dassault Systèmes aims to foster an exchange of data and insights, fueling real-world progress and innovation. The 3D models and virtual twins have the potential to accelerate efficiency, sustainability, and breakthrough innovation.