![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/img_engpaper_thumb2026-jun16.png\")
\t\t<\/p>\n\u201cImagine Midjourney for CAD, but with fully editable results and a smoother, more intuitive human-to-computer interface.\u201d<\/p>\n
\t\t<\/p>\n
This is Engineering Paper, and here\u2019s the latest design and simulation software news.<\/p>\n
Autodesk has published new details on neural CAD<\/a>, its AI models for 3D design first announced<\/a> at Autodesk University 2025 last September.<\/p>\n \u201cAutodesk is building these professional-grade, AI foundation models specifically to reason about and generate precision 2D and 3D CAD information,\u201d wrote Mike Haley, leader of Autodesk\u2019s Research group, in a new paper on neural CAD<\/a>.<\/p>\n In it, Haley describes how neural CAD could radically change the current 3D design paradigm (a CAD revolution, if you will<\/a>).<\/p>\n \u201cWith neural CAD, you will be able to launch your ideas by speaking about them, typing them, drawing them, or uploading images. You will watch the neural CAD engine reason through your request and produce highly detailed CAD objects and assemblies,\u201d Haley wrote.<\/p>\n Sounds intriguing, right? Unfortunately, it remains hypothetical. The nearly 3,000 word paper on neural CAD is scant on new information. Embedded videos show off AI features we\u2019ve known about for ages, such as Fusion AutoConstrain, which has been live since early last year<\/a>, and Forma Building Layout Explorer<\/a>, an experimental feature in Forma Site Design (and one that\u2019s reminiscent of a generative design application Autodesk was touting back in 2017<\/a>). There was also a mention of text-to-CAD with reference to 2024\u2019s Project Bernini<\/a>.<\/p>\n There were two AI features I hadn\u2019t seen before. One was called Fusion AutoTimeline, which generates a parametric history tree for a dumb solid. That would be useful for imported parts, but there was no mention of when it will be available. The second was called Project Quill, which lets users turn rough sketches and text annotations into nice sketches and renders. AI image generation isn\u2019t exactly novel, but it looked like a nifty interface. Again, no word on availability.<\/p>\n When it was first announced, I asked whether neural CAD was worth getting excited about<\/a>. Then, and now, the answer is not yet. Until these capabilities exist on users\u2019 computers, neural CAD is nothing more than\u2014to borrow a term from Haley\u2014AI washing. But I look forward to seeing them if and when they\u2019re released.<\/p>\n On demand: Design and Simulation Week 2026<\/p>\n Last week was Engineering.com\u2019s third annual Design and Simulation Week, a series of webinars exploring the latest in engineering software.<\/p>\n I gave a quick overview of the five presentations last week<\/a>. If you missed any of them, they\u2019re now all available on demand<\/a>.<\/p>\n Thanks to all the speakers and to everyone who tuned in.<\/p>\n Quick hits<\/p>\n IMSI Design has released TurboCAD Mac 17<\/a>, the latest version of its 2D and 3D CAD suite for macOS. Along with interface improvements and new modeling tools, the release augments the Copilot plugin with Copilot Render for generative rendering<\/a> and Copilot Part Finder, which uses natural language to search for parts.<\/p>\n PTC has launched PTC Orbit<\/a>, a new \u201ccloud-native asset intelligence solution\u201d that connects \u201cPLM, ERP, CRM, IoT, EAM, and FSM systems into a single, unified asset record.\u201d<\/p>\n Leo AI is now available as an app within Onshape<\/a>, according to Leo CEO Maor Farid.<\/p>\n One last link<\/p>\n Sports fans aren\u2019t the only ones enjoying the World Cup. Simulation fan Ed Fontes, VP of development at Comsol, analyzed the 2026 match ball in Modeling the Beautiful Game: From Ball Design to Power Trivelas<\/a>.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/img_autotimeline.png\")
Screenshot of Fusion AutoTimeline. (Image: Autodesk.)<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/img_neural_CAD_Project_Quill_image.jpg\")
An example of Autodesk\u2019s Project Quill. (Image: Autodesk.)<\/p>\n