AI and computer simulations have been effectively utilized in the rubber industry to streamline product design processes. Both technologies eliminate the need for physical prototyping by predicting product performance based on design proposals, evaluating the feasibility of manufacturing designs, and enabling pre-production process planning. While sharing similar objectives, AI and equation-based computer simulations possess distinct characteristics. Understanding these nuances and leveraging their strengths strategically will be crucial moving forward. This paper delves into the specific features of each technology, illustrated through relevant examples, and discusses their future prospects in the rubber industry.