A Solidworks interface WITH a chat window in the right column allows you to ask the software to create a 3D bicycle handlebar.
3DEXPERIENCE WORLD 2024 (Dallas) – The major annual Dassault Systèmes global conference is much more than just an opportunity to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Solidworks software package.
4700 enthusiastic participants from 30 countries, many of whom were users of the 3D CAD solution.
“This is my last appearance in front of you” indicates on stage Bernard Charlès, who replaces at short notice the new CEO (since January 1) Pascal Daloz, retained for personal reasons. “He’s the right person in the right place for the next 25 years,” assures the man who led the destiny of Dassault Sytèmes for nearly 30 years.
Solidworks, a brick of choice
Since the birth of Solidworks in 1997, the design solution has moved from 2D to 3D, then moved to the cloud (via Dassault Systèmes’ cloud subsidiary, 3DS Outscale). This brick of choice in the 3DEXPERIENCE portfolio of business solutions allows the leading French software publisher to hold its own, with 7.5 million users, against competitors such as PTC, AutoCAD and Siemens.
But if the question of the succession of leaders seems settled, there remains that of the future of computer-aided design.
“What are we going to do with AI in the world of Design?” Bernard Charlès asked the audience. And to give some answers. “With the new magic of Solidworks, we’re going to use prompts to ask to create 3D objects,” he says.
Generate design by prompt
On stage, a video illustrates the point. We can see a Solidworks interface where a chat window in the right column allows you to ask the software to create a 3D bicycle handlebar. “And I can also ask him how to reduce the weight of the part” explains Bernard Charlès.
But generative AI can be used to create bridge structures, engine blocks or even 3D printers. “We are moving towards new interactions with software” he assures, promising that this functionality will be “available within the next 12 months”.
Generative AI can be used to create bridge structures, engine blocks or even 3D printers.
Another innovation shown on stage by Manish Kumar, CEO of Solidworks, was the demonstration of what AI can do with an extension of the HomeByMe solution, called MakeByMe.
“Protecting your intellectual property and data is our priority”
This cloud-based application, which brings together 100,000 users according to the publisher, allows interior design professionals to plan kitchen and bathroom layouts as well as entire homes.
Via a prompt, it becomes possible to generate a library unit, with different shapes each time, but with length, width and depth dimensions set by the user.
But it also allows you to create furniture plans, with generative AI. Via a prompt, it becomes possible to generate a library unit, with different shapes each time, but with length, width and depth dimensions set by the user. “And we make sure that all these designs are manufacturable,” says Manish Kumar.
In the age of AI, “protecting your intellectual property and your data are our priority” notes the CEO of Solidworks. And give some details. “We protect our customers’ data with a holistic approach, and we do not give our customers’ IP to other customers.”
“We anonymize our customers’ IP”
“We are in a unique position to set up a system where AI will learn from customer data to feed customer data,” explains Bernard Charlès. “Most consumer AI platforms steal user data without them knowing. We anonymize our clients’ IP to offer it to our clients. This is a new deal for the industry” .
Faced with the fears raised by the sharing of knowledge between clients, even if all this is “anonymized”, reassures Gian Paolo Bassi, the SVP of 3D Experience Works. “For us, AI is not an application but is used at the heart of our system. Machine Learning, for example, accelerates workflows. And if someone finds a solution to an industry problem, everyone everyone is very happy to benefit from it.