Your favourite films

Many of today’s blockbuster films use computer-generated imagery. From 2010 to 2019, the box office revenue of animated movies was over $50 billion!

The more sophisticated the animation, the more number crunching required. Baymax, the robot featured in Disney’s “Big Hero 6” (2014) was rendered with a 55,000-core supercomputer, spread across four geographic locations.

Your health

Did you know that supercomputers play a crucial role in the development of vaccines, including those for COVID-19? Medical researchers use HPC to simulate the molecular behaviour of the proteins that make COVID-19 so virulent. By studying the genetic makeup of the virus and how it mutates, researchers can fast-track the efficacy of potential vaccines.

We are also at the dawn of a new era of personalised medicine, where HPC can tailor treatments—tuned to your specific genes—that are more effective.

Your drive

For decades, supercomputers have been improving your commute in terms of safety, speed, and energy efficiency.

Carmakers in Japan used supercomputers to research and develop vehicles that were more aerodynamic. For example, using computer simulations, Mazda designed an “Aero-Wave” roofline for its iconic 1993 RX-7 sports car, reducing its wind resistance and optimising its drag coefficient.

As we cruise into the era of autonomous vehicles, HPC will be crucial in training artificial intelligence to help cars navigate busy roads, avoid hazards and keep passengers safe.