SOLIDWORKS plans AI workflow upgrades and broader design validation for 2027
The software company also intends to improve virtual companions that help users navigate engineering tasks through natural-language interaction.
SOLIDWORKS is targeting improvements to artificial intelligence (AI) engineering workflows, virtual assistants and design validation as priorities for 2027, chief executive officer Manish Kumar told Bernama.
Manish said the aim is to let engineers describe what they want to achieve rather than work through individual software commands. The company wants to simplify product development and help users progress from initial concepts to manufacturing with greater design accuracy.
The planned enhancements include Leo, Aura and Marie, virtual companions embedded in its applications that offer guidance through natural-language interaction. Their supporting framework would have three layers: companions, competencies and skills, covering different engineering disciplines and tasks.
Manish said validation should become integral to engineering as AI makes it quicker and cheaper to produce alternative designs. He said assessments should examine not only strength and fatigue resistance, but also durability, manufacturing feasibility and environmental impact, helping designers determine which options are suitable for production.
On skills development, Manish said the company's global Skills Force Programme offers free software licences to businesses taking on interns or apprentices. He also said the student version of SOLIDWORKS had been available at no charge worldwide since July. SOLIDWORKS is 3D design and engineering software developed by Dassault Systèmes.
