Why MATLAB is Essential Across Industries: Applications Beyond Engineering

MATLAB is often associated with engineering, but its uses extend far beyond that realm. This powerful software tool is revolutionizing research, education, and industry in non-engineering fields like biological sciences, chemistry, neuroscience, geoscience, and more.

Universities are recognizing the value of MATLAB and Simulink across many disciplines, which allows students to solve complex problems, analyze data and drive innovation across industries. In the text that follows, we’ll look at how MATLAB is making an impact in non-engineering fields and supporting the education and research activities of tomorrow’s innovators.

Biological Sciences

Advancing Healthcare and Mental Health

MATLAB is an important tool in biological sciences. It helps researchers model, simulate, and analyze complex biological systems, and is especially useful in health and medicine, where understanding data is crucial. By leveraging MATLAB’s capabilities, researchers can create predictive models and gain deeper insights into biological systems, which make it helpful for both researchers and healthcare workers.

For example, in wearable technology, MATLAB is used to analyze health data from sensors in real time, to facilitate mental health therapy. By combining AI and signal processing, MATLAB allows for the monitoring of mental health conditions in real-time and offers personalized care suggestions.

Read the full story: Wearable Tech Uses Signal Processing and AI for Mental Health

Neuroscience

Harnessing MATLAB for Neural Research

In neuroscience, MATLAB plays a crucial role in processing and analyzing brain activity data. Researchers use MATLAB to simulate neural circuits, run experiments, and model neural networks. Its powerful computational abilities allow scientists to process large amounts of data and draw meaningful conclusions on brain activity and behavior.

At UMass Amherst, professors have developed interactive computer vision apps using MATLAB to study and teach dance science. These apps process motion capture data to analyze and visualize dance movements, while offering insights into biomechanics, neurology, and movement disorders.

Read the full story: UMass Amherst Professor Develops Interactive Computer Vision Apps to Study and Teach Dance Science

Psychology

Advancing Experimental Research

Although MATLAB is more commonly associated with mathematics and the sciences, it has become an essential tool in psychology, particularly in experimental research and cognitive studies.

MATLAB’s matrix-based environment enables psychologists to:

• Program cognitive and behavioral experiments;

• Analyze sensory stimuli and psychophysical responses;

• Perform statistical analysis, including signal detection theory; and

• Create custom graphical user interfaces for experiments.

For those new to MATLAB, the book MATLAB for Psychologists provides an expert guide to using MATLAB in psychology research. It covers programming fundamentals, data visualization, statistical analysis, and experimental design.

Read the full story: MATLAB for Psychologists

Arts

AI-Generated Music and Creative Activities

Beyond science and engineering, MATLAB is making its way into creative fields. For one, artists and researchers are using MATLAB for AI-driven music composition and digital art.

For example, MATLAB was used in a deep learning project to transform paintings into music, which showcased how AI can bridge the gap between visual art and auditory experiences. It demonstrates MATLAB’s ability to interpret patterns and create original outputs, which makes it an exciting tool for when technology and creativity intersect.

Read the full story: Painting Music with Artificial Intelligence

Finance

Unlocking Potential in Risk Management and Algorithmic Trading

While MATLAB has not yet been widely adopted into quantitative finance, it has the potential to transform the industry by providing powerful tools for data analysis, financial modeling, and algorithmic trading. Its ability to import, process, and visualize massive datasets makes it a valuable resource for financial professionals looking to improve efficiency and accuracy.

MATLAB’s computational power and automation capabilities can be particularly useful in risk management and portfolio optimization, where precise calculations are crucial for assessing market trends and mitigating financial risks. By leveraging MATLAB’s features, analysts can develop predictive models, perform stress testing, and optimize trading strategies, thus opening up new possibilities for hedge funds, banks, and investment firms.

For example, Swiss Re explored MATLAB’s potential by developing its Internal Capital Adequacy Model (ICAM), which allows the reinsurance enterprise to analyze financial risks, comply with regulatory requirements, and optimize capital allocation, all of which demonstrates how MATLAB can support risk assessment in finance.

Read the full story: Swiss Re’s Internal Risk Model

Chemical Engineering and Beyond

Innovating with MATLAB

MATLAB has also proven itself valuable in chemical engineering, especially in research and education, where it can improve both teaching and learning. The software allows users to simulate chemical processes, optimize reactions, and analyze large datasets.

One case in point is Coca-Cola’s use of MATLAB to develop a virtual pressure sensor using machine learning, aimed at improving the diagnostics of beverage dispensers. This application not only demonstrates MATLAB’s impact on operational efficiency, but also highlights how companies are integrating machine learning to optimize systems and products.

Read the full story: Coca-Cola Develops Virtual Pressure Sensor with Machine Learning to Improve Beverage Dispenser Diagnostics

Chemistry

Transforming Chemical Data Analysis with MATLAB

In the field of chemistry, MATLAB is a go-to tool for analyzing, visualizing, and building predictive models for chemical data. Chemists use MATLAB to model chemical reactions, process large datasets, and simulate experimental conditions. It is especially effective for predicting outcomes, identifying trends, and optimizing reactions.

For example, researchers at Argonne National Laboratory used MATLAB to develop a sensor for detecting chemical agents. Their advanced sensor, designed using MATLAB’s signal processing capabilities, is helping to safeguard public health by enabling better detection of hazardous chemicals.

Read the full story: Argonne National Laboratory Develops Sensor for Chemical Agent Detection

Geoscience

Understanding Complex Geological Data with MATLAB

Geoscientists are relying on MATLAB to analyze geological data, model earth processes, and predict natural phenomena such as earthquakes and climate trends. The software helps process large volumes of geospatial data, making it easier to detect patterns and gain insights into environmental changes.

One such example is Geoscience Australia, which saved $50,000 in development costs by using MATLAB for its geological modeling. Within that realm, MATLAB handles complex datasets, which allows geoscientists to predict environmental events more accurately, thereby saving time and resources.

Read the full story: Geoscience Australia Saves $50,000 in Development Costs by Using MATLAB

Physics

From Data Collection to Simulation

Physics researchers use MATLAB to control experiments, acquire data, and compare results with simulations. It is essential for analyzing large datasets, simulating physical phenomena, and improving experimental designs. In addition to academic use, MATLAB helps industries, such as energy and utilities, optimize their operations.

A prime example of MATLAB’s impact in physics is Siemens’ use of the software to develop a health monitoring system for distribution transformers. By analyzing sensor data, Siemens is able to predict failures and improve the reliability of electrical grids.

Read the full story: Siemens Develops Health Monitoring System for Distribution Transformers

Featured products

All products mentioned are developed by MathWorks®: 

• MATLAB
• Simulink
• MATLAB Campus-Wide License

Learn more

• MATLAB Campus-Wide License Page
  Unlock the full potential of your institution’s academic pursuits with the MATLAB Campus-Wide License, which provides access to a comprehensive suite of tools for computational analysis, modeling, and data visualization.
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• On-demand Webinar: The Benefits of the MATLAB Campus-Wide License – Focusing on AI Applications
  Watch this video to get acquainted with all the tools and opportunities the MATLAB Campus License offers, including artificial intelligence applications with MATLAB.
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• Blog: MATLAB AI Chat Playground: A New Era in Generative AI for MATLAB Users
  MATLAB AI Chat Playground is a groundbreaking tool for MATLAB users. In this interactive chat environment, users can experiment with generative AI, get code examples, and explore MATLAB functionalities.
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