Something exciting is happening in the world of design and engineering. Whether you call it artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), or just smarter software, Dassault Systèmes is quietly transforming how we work. AI technologies are now being built directly into some of the most popular tools — like SOLIDWORKS and the cloud-powered 3DEXPERIENCE platform.
While the future promises even more advancements, there are already powerful AI-driven features you can take advantage of today. These tools are built to make your life easier. Less time guessing, more time creating.
Getting Connected: How to Access the Best AI Features
If you want to experience the best of what AI can offer, it all starts with being connected. That means using either 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS (also called SOLIDWORKS Connected) or the traditional desktop version of SOLIDWORKS CAD with Cloud Services.
Why does this matter?
Because the 3DEXPERIENCE platform isn’t just a place to store files. It gives you access to enhanced collaboration, built-in version control, and seamless cloud capabilities that support more intelligent tools. The AI features being released today rely on cloud computing power to work effectively without slowing down your desktop.
Whether you’re a solo designer or part of a larger team, connecting to the platform puts modern AI tools right at your fingertips.
3 AI Tools You Can Use Right Now
Dassault Systèmes isn’t just talking about AI — they’re actively building ways to use AI in the tools you use every day. Several AI features have already been launched with the recent 2025x FD03 update, and they’re already making a difference.
1. Mate Assistance: Assemblies That Align
Getting parts to align perfectly in assemblies can be a chore. Mate Assistance simplifies this by analyzing the components you’re placing and intelligently suggesting the most likely mate types. It understands your geometry, remembers your past workflows, and helps you get the job done faster with fewer clicks.
2. Automatic Drawings: Instant Documentation, Zero Fuss
Creating production-ready drawings no longer has to be a time sink. With Automatic Drawings, you can generate fully detailed 2D drawings from your parts or assemblies in just a few clicks. The tool intelligently places standard views, applies dimensions, and adds annotations based on your predefined drafting standards — taking care of the busywork so you can focus on the design itself.
Whether you’re using 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS, desktop SOLIDWORKS with Cloud Services, or xDesign (Dassault Systèmes’s 100% browser-based CAD platform), Automatic Drawings helps deliver fast, consistent documentation. It’s a powerful solution for teams working under tight deadlines, accelerating design reviews, production handoffs, and compliance workflows without sacrificing quality.
3. Classic Time-Savers: Smart Automation
While new AI tools are generating a lot of buzz, SOLIDWORKS has quietly included intelligent, automated helpers for years. Tools like FilletXpert, DraftXpert, and FeatureWorks have long handled repetitive tasks by recognizing patterns, resolving conflicts, and suggesting solutions — automatically.
These features may not be labeled as “AI,” but they do a lot of the heavy lifting when it comes to editing or repairing complex models. If you’ve ever needed to update a tangled web of fillets or recognize features from imported geometry, chances are you’ve already experienced some early automation in action.
AURA: AI in SOLIDWORKS
This article wouldn’t be complete without mentioning AURA — the brand-new SOLIDWORKS AI assistant. Now available in beta for all 3DEXPERIENCE commercial users, AURA acts as a conversational companion within SOLIDWORKS, helping you work smarter by providing context-aware guidance, automating tedious tasks, and offering intelligent suggestions as you design.
You can access AURA today through the 3DSwym app on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform — once opened, it’s located in the left-hand column, ready to assist.
Developed by Dassault Systèmes, AURA is designed to enhance your professional experience by delivering comprehensive, accurate, and contextually relevant information. Whether you need help navigating Dassault Systèmes documentation, engaging in 3DSwym communities, or simply have a question, AURA provides well-structured responses to keep your workflow moving.
Equally important, AURA is built with data privacy and security at its core. It does not access personal or user-specific information, ensuring your interactions remain confidential. Its sole focus is on providing valuable insights and support while maintaining the highest standards of data integrity.
It’s still early days, but AURA represents an exciting leap forward in making advanced design tools more intuitive and accessible. As it continues to evolve, it’s clear that AI isn’t just an add-on to SOLIDWORKS — it’s becoming an integral part of how we approach design.
A Look Ahead: 5 AI Features in Development
The roadmap for AI in SOLIDWORKS and 3DEXPERIENCE is ambitious. At this year’s 3DEXPERIENCE World conference in Houston, Dassault Systèmes shared a few of the projects currently in development:
- AI-Generated Parametric Models from Mesh Data
- AI-Optimized Assembly Structures
- Contextual Help and Guidance
- AI-Powered Renderings
- xDesign
1. AI-Generated Parametric Models from Mesh Data
Import a mesh or scan and have AI turn it into an editable, fully parametric model. This will be a major step forward for reverse engineering and working with 3D scans.
2. AI-Optimized Assembly Structures
In the future, AI will help structure your assemblies more efficiently. It could recommend part placement and subassembly structures to improve performance and manufacturability.
3. Contextual Help and Guidance
Building on AURA, new features will deliver smart, in-the-moment guidance based on what you’re doing — so you get help without breaking your workflow.
4. AI-Powered Renderings
Quickly create photorealistic visuals of your designs using AI-generated lighting, textures, and backgrounds. Ideal for marketing, reviews, and presentations.
These aren’t just experiments. They’re practical tools designed to help you get more done, faster, and with less friction.
On top of that, other improvements are in the works too — like improved DSPBR visual appearances, faster workflows for working with large multibody parts, easier multibody selection, and UI enhancements like the ability to pin your favorite commands.
5. xDesign
Many of these innovations are also finding their way into xDesign — the browser-based CAD tool that’s part of the 3DEXPERIENCE platform. While its AI roadmap isn’t identical to SOLIDWORKS, the goal is the same: to give you smarter tools that help you design better, no matter where you’re working.
The Best Is Yet to Come
The addition of AI to SOLIDWORKS and 3DEXPERIENCE isn’t just a trend. It’s a meaningful shift in how engineering is done. You can already see the benefits in features like Mate Assistance and Automatic Drawings. And with tools like AURA and mesh-to-feature conversion on the horizon, the best is yet to come.
Stay connected, stay curious, and keep an eye on future updates. The next generation of design is already taking shape.
If you have any questions or want to learn more about AI in SOLIDWORKS and 3DEXPERIENCE, reach out to us.
