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Engineering & CAD

Generative AI walks into Fusion, AutoCAD and Onshape — front line or assistant.

By 2026 almost every major CAD has bolted on an AI layer. French engineering firms remain cautious — but the documented gains are real: 80% automated drafting views (Solid Edge), parametric generation from a prompt (Onshape), one-click topological optimisation.

01
AI-native CAD
Autodesk
Autodesk Fusion AI

AI integrated natively into CAD/CAM/CAE/PCB/PDM. Parametric design generation from material and manufacturing constraints. The mid-market standard.

02
Cloud-first CAD
PTC
Onshape AI Advisor

100% cloud CAD with sketch, constraint and feature generation from text. Ideal for distributed collaboration.

03
Concept-stage analysis
Autodesk
Autodesk Forma

Data-driven analysis at concept stage (sunlight, wind, energy). Covers the upstream architecture-engineering layer.

04
Mechanical copilot
Leo AI
Leo AI

Generative AI specialised for mechanical engineers. Plugin for the main CADs, focused on daily productivity.

Our editorial verdict

If you are already on Autodesk, stay there: Fusion AI plus Forma cover 90% of the needs. If you are starting fresh, look at Onshape — cloud collaboration ease quickly closes the historical gap with SolidWorks.