with Employer Partnerships Lead Dan Howard and Guest speaker and ex student Mika Kazassoglou.

Autodesk University 2024 in San Diego was an inspiring event that brought together innovators, designers, and educators from around the world. The conference offered invaluable insights into the future of design, manufacturing, and digital transformation. One of the standout moments was witnessing former student Mika Kazassoglou present his project on sustainable housing at Festival Gardens on Liverpool’s Dock Front, using a range of Autodesk platforms. His presentation, alongside hands-on workshops and immersive sessions, made this event an unforgettable experience. Let’s dive into the highlights of each day through a photo diary.

 

Day 1: Arrival and Excitement

The excitement was palpable on Day 1 as attendees arrived in San Diego, eager to explore the cutting-edge technologies on display. Autodesk University is a place where technology and creativity converge, offering a unique opportunity for educators and professionals alike to learn how Autodesk tools can be applied in both educational and real-world environments.

 

Day 2: Workshops, Learning, and CNC Machining

Day 2 was filled with hands-on learning and personal growth. One of the most engaging sessions was the 5-axis CNC machining workshop. Attendees had the opportunity to generate machine codes for advanced machines that have three, four, and five axes of control, gaining practical experience in manufacturing.

In this session, the CNC machine demonstrated how Autodesk Fusion 360’s CAM tools make complex machining not only possible but accessible. These kinds of experiences are crucial in equipping educators with the skills to teach their students how to tackle advanced manufacturing challenges. Dan Howard reflected on how this hands-on learning translates into real-world applications, saying, “It’s great to get to grips with the idea that it really is possible to make anything. And if we can make anything, we can teach our students to do that too.”

This workshop was particularly relevant to Dan’s vision of integrating advanced digital skills into the new T-level course at Liverpool Life Sciences UTC, aimed at preparing students to enter the local manufacturing industry with technical competence and digital fluency.

 

Day 3: AI Exploration and Mika’s Presentation

Day 3 focused heavily on emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and large-scale generative 3D printing. One of the most exciting zones was the AI Experience area, where attendees explored how AI can be integrated into design workflows, optimising processes for sustainability, cost, and performance. It was a fascinating look at how AI is transforming not only design but also how those designs are brought to life in manufacturing environments.

The real highlight of the day was Mika Miro Kazassoglou’s keynote presentation, which showcased his project on reimagined housing schemes for the Liverpool Dockfront. Using a combination of Autodesk tools such as Fusion 360 and Revit, Mika demonstrated how digital solutions can address real-world challenges like urban housing shortages. Dan Howard remarked, “It was amazing seeing our former student Mika present his project on sustainable housing. The way he managed to stitch together a range of Autodesk platforms to create such a comprehensive project was received really well by all the industry professionals at the conference.”

The response to Mika’s project was overwhelmingly positive, highlighting how the combination of creativity, technology, and sustainable thinking can lead to impactful solutions for urban development.

 

Day 4: Design Thinking and Final Reflections

The final day of the conference emphasised design thinking and collaboration. Attendees participated in a design thinking workshop, which sparked ideas for how to apply these problem-solving techniques in both education and industry. One exciting outcome was the revival of the CADCAM Educators Hub concept cars competition, set to return in 2024/2025, showcasing how the conference inspired future projects.

In a final hands-on session, participants assembled a keypad shortcutter, with different components produced using CNC machining, 3D printing, and laser cutting. This experience reinforced the importance of combining multiple technologies to create functional, real-world products. It also provided a clear example of how Autodesk Fusion 360 seamlessly integrates various manufacturing processes.

Reflecting on the entire experience, Dan Howard noted how Autodesk University highlighted the direction of digital transformation: “It was really good to see how the world and our digital transformation is developing in terms of integrating artificial intelligence into design workflows, and then how we can start to transform that into our manufacturing environments.”

“Autodesk University 2024 was a transformative experience for all attendees, offering deep insights into the future of design and manufacturing. From Mika’s inspiring presentation on sustainable housing to the hands-on workshops in advanced CNC machining and AI-driven design, the conference showcased how Autodesk tools are driving innovation across industries. As educators and professionals return home, they bring with them new knowledge and skills that will undoubtedly shape the future of education and industry alike.” As Dan Howard reflected, the event truly underscored how digital and technical competence can prepare students to take on roles in advanced manufacturing, offering a bright future for industries and their talent pipeline.

If you are inspired by the destinations our students are reaching through their project based learning, please get in touch to find out how you can get involved.