Leveraging AI Technology in SOLIDWORKS
Speculation regarding predicted abilities—real or imagined—of artificial intelligence (AI) is all over the news and the internet. Perhaps due to media-driven sensationalism, a growing number of workers fear that AI technology might replace their jobs. This fear is unfortunate because AI is another tool in the toolbox—and a powerful one. When incorporated intelligently into the design process, AI has the potential to make your day-to-day work less tedious and much more productive.
The Increasing Value of AI in CAD Design
SOLIDWORKS browser-based roles 3D Creator, 3D SheetMetal Creator, and 3D Structure Creator use machine learning (ML) algorithms in their Design Assistant tools. These AI-powered tools are designed to automate time-consuming and repetitive tasks, such as selecting edges or working with mates, which frees up time for creativity or other critical work. ML is a specific approach to AI that enables computers to learn from and make decisions or predictions based on data. So, the more you use Design Assistant tools, the “smarter” they become, improving their performance and usefulness over time.
Edge selection automation uses geometry recognition to accelerate the design process. For example, when you make a selection while working on a CAD model, you can activate Selection Helper in the Design Assistant, and it may suggest a range of other selections based on the geometry’s size, shape, and orientation. With each selection you make, the Design Assistant predictions become more intelligent and more relevant. If you agree with a prediction, a simple click gives the Design Assistant the go-ahead to choose all suggested edges automatically.
The Learning Never Stops in the Cloud
Applying ML and AI to design and engineering is like a robot vacuum cleaner programmed to automate a task for you. But AI and ML functionality in design software is even smarter. More than just automating a task, it provides design guidance and alternative solutions, leading to the discovery of entirely new ideas or design approaches. AI can also do some things humans can’t, like calculate high-dimensional data—fast.
Because the SOLIDWORKS Cloud roles are cloud-based, the ML algorithms adapt in real time to your workflows and provide constant up-to-date suggestions as you provide more input. AI can ultimately free up time to design, explore, and experiment because it can help automate more mundane day-to-day tasks.
It also frees up more time for engineering by streamlining the repetitive nature of CAD, making design faster and easier. Efficient use of time has a snowball effect that can positively affect your product development process and ability to hit delivery dates.
Goodbye Tedium, Hello Productivity
Don’t believe the hype surrounding AI. The hallmarks of SOLIDWORKS—the brand’s dedication to customers, obsession with superior user experience, and passion for excellence—continue to expand with next-generation, cloud based design tools.
The machine learning tools in the Design Assistant are purpose-built to make a positive impact on your daily work and are not aimed at replacing your job. When you begin using the tools, you will see that the Design Assistant’s features are typically focused on automating tedious and time-intensive tasks in design processes. The Design Assistant tools are all about productivity. The time savings you can achieve can really add up at the end of the day, month, and year.
Get an in-depth look at AI in the design sphere and how SOLIDWORKS CEO Manish Kumar and members of the SOLIDWORKS R&D team are mapping out the future of CAD and AI together in the feature article “The Wild Imagination of Artificial Intelligence.”
If you’d like a demo of SOLIDWORKS browser-based roles and the Design Assistant, contact your local reseller today.
