The University at Buffalo Enables Sentient Science to Become a Powerful Application on the Industrial Internet

The Center of Computational Research (CCR), University at Buffalo, and Sentient Science have partnered to help deploy the most advanced computational testing and asset management technologies available today to optimize the mechanical life and performance of a wide range of mechanical devices.

• 1.5MTests Run in the First
  6 Months with the CCR
• 8,000Number of Processors
  Available to Sentient Science
• 2xDoubled in Size Since
  Partnering with CCR

 
Today, Sentient Science is the leading provider of prognostic technology and services. Since 2001, the company developed multi-physics models, called DigitalClone, that predict mechanical failures. This research led to a series of commercial tools and services to help manufacturers and operators of rotating equipment predict and extend their products’ life and performance. By interfacing customers’ DigitalClone prognostic models with high performance cloud computing infrastructure to run hundreds of simulations, Sentient Science supports what GE and others now call the Industrial Internet. Because Sentient Science has access to the most powerful computational resources in Western New York through the CCR, they are now at the forefront of this new technology.

The University at Buffalo’s CCR is a key partner for Sentient Science, enabling them to deploy these models and services to commercial and government customers. The CCR provides access to its supercomputing infrastructure to host the DigitalClone models and run simulations, which allows Sentient Science to scale commercial revenues quickly. This is all made possible through funding from the Division of Science Technology and Innovation (NYSTAR) of the Empire State Development Corporation (ESD) through its High Performance Computing Consortium (hpc2.org) and the New York State Regional Economic Development Council.

In addition, Sentient Science works with the University at Buffalo’s Center of Advanced Technologies and Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Life Sciences (COE) and other groups on research and development funding proposals to continue to develop new prognostic capabilities. The CCR has allowed Sentient Science to focus heavily on growing the commercial aspect of their company. In 2013, commercial sales accounted for 10% of Sentient Science’s revenue, now in 2014; commercial customers represent over half of their revenue.

These partnerships played an important role in the decision of Sentient Science to move its headquarters to Buffalo, NY. Today, 13 employees call Buffalo, NY home and Sentient Science plans to continue to invest and hire new employees in the area as they grow. The University at Buffalo’s deep talent pool provides opportunities for internships and full-time positions with the team at Sentient Science.

About Center for Computational Research (CCR)

The mission of the Center for Computational Research (CCR) is to: (1) enable research and scholarship at UB by providing faculty with access to high-performance computing and visualization resources, (2) provide education, outreach, and training in Western New York, and (3) foster economic development and job creation in Western New York by providing local industry with access to advanced computing resources, including hardware, software and consulting services.