MEET YOUR AI-INSPIRED ENGINEERING DESIGN ASSISTANT.

Generative design uses the power of AI to help design engineers work smarter and more productively. DesignSpark’s 3-in-1 software tools provide the perfect place to experiment with CAD before making the most of this exciting new capability.

 Artificial intelligence is transforming Computer Aided Design – making it faster and easier to use.

Generative AI built into the latest packages from leading vendors provides a supportive tool for engineers as they set project parameters and start creating new models. By exploring factors such as design options, materials alternatives and manufacturing processes, users can create more innovative solutions in a shorter period of time – boosting productivity and reducing time to market.

The AI-inspired software can also enhance the creativity of engineers by challenging conventional thinking – perhaps by encouraging users to move away from right angles, flat surfaces and round dimensions and consider alternative approaches and solutions. 

Many engineering companies are embracing generative design. Jacobs Engineering has used Creo from PTC to optimize the design of a NASA exploration portable life support system used by astronauts on space missions. The generative software is deployed to help optimize part design on the backpack, ensuring safety and reliability of parts and systems while reducing mass and exploring a full suite of manufacturing methods. Since using the PTC software, Jacobs has delivered part mass reductions of 50 per cent and is expected to reduce design time by 20 per cent.

Meanwhile, SolidWorks has created an AI-powered Design Assistant in its 3D Creator and 3D Sculptor packages that use built-in machine learning algorithms to provide design assistance in real-time based on an individual’s workflow. The Selection Helper gives engineers suggestions on what part they should select next. At the same time, Sketch Helper predicts what a user plans to sketch next and automatically duplicates selected sketch objects to assist with the workflow. 

This capability is not designed to replace human ingenuity – it is about helping engineers work smarter and more productively. Also, AI is developing at an incredible pace, so it is intriguing to think how it might be further integrated into CAD as the boundaries expand further.

For students, SME’s and design engineers just starting out with CAD, using such advanced AI-inspired capability might be some way off in the future. But there is a low-cost, easy-access way of gaining experience in CAD. 

DesignSpark offers a 3-in-1 design tool encompassing mechanical, PCB and circuit simulator software. These packages work well with the more expensive CAD solutions that feature generative AI and represent an excellent pathway to this new and exciting capability. They are also supported by community groups, videos and written tutorials, which allow the less experienced CAD user to gain experience and embark on a journey of digital discovery.