A digital prototype is a design that is tested digitally to ensure that it will meet design specifications.  This is the "new term" coming out of Autodesk.

 

The old term - CAD or 3D model - works fine for me.  You can test the model by performing motion simulations, FEA analysis, and thermal/air testing.  These tests have been available to engineers for at least twenty years.

 

So, why do we bother with first articles or real prototypes before we start the manufacturing process?  Oh gosh, lots of reasons.  Some things you just can't simulate...like how a model will interface with real people, how it will perform under all operating conditions.  Can't do MTBF testing on a digital model.  Can't take a digital model to a trade show to impress potential customers.  Can't use a digital model to convince potential investors to write a check to your start-up.  Can't send a digital model over to the FCC or UL. 

 

So, when the press raves about Autodesk's new vision of a design cycle without first articles - thus sparing the environment junked parts - those of us who live in the real world are annoyed.  Design cycle has already been crunched to the point where we are not allowed to fully analyze our digital models before we rush to prototype.  Now, you want to eliminate the prototype step?

 

Gosh, I miss the 80's when there were on-going discussions of how to add Quality to the design cycle.