Autodesk Fusion’s Sketch AutoConstrain and Automated Drawings exemplify how AI enhances CAD efficiency without needing pixel-perfect automation.
Last October, Autodesk unveiled three AI-based tools at their annual Autodesk University user conference: Sketch AutoConstrain, Automated Drawings, and Autodesk Assistant. While Autodesk Assistant remains a support chatbot, Sketch AutoConstrain and Automated Drawings have been optimized further.
Engineering.com got an exclusive demo of these innovations from Jeremy Stadtmueller, director of product management for Autodesk Fusion, and Bryce Heventhal, senior manager of technical marketing at Autodesk. Here’s a closer look at Sketch AutoConstrain and Automated Drawings, alongside a glimpse into Autodesk’s broader AI plans.
Understanding Sketch AutoConstrain
Sketch AutoConstrain, also known as AutoConstrain in Fusion Automated Sketching, uses AI to analyze sketch geometry, suggesting dimensions and constraints automatically. For instance, it can add a perpendicular constraint to two lines at right angles or a tangent constraint where a line touches an arc.
To use Sketch AutoConstrain, simply click the AutoConstrain button in Fusion’s sketch menu. The tool generates a list of constraint suggestions that can be reviewed and modified as needed. Autodesk plans future updates that may allow slight adjustments to geometry, such as rounding dimensions to standard values.
During the demo, skepticism about the tool’s utility was addressed. Stadtmueller and Heventhal emphasized AutoConstrain’s potential to reduce frustration among both beginners and experienced users in fully defining sketches.
According to Heventhal, a seasoned CAD user, AutoConstrain transformed his workflow significantly. “I’ts probably my most used [new] tool,” he stated, highlighting the simplicity and efficiency it brings.
Enhancements in Automated Drawings
Automated Drawings, released in January 2024, generates 2D drawings from 3D models, utilizing user templates and heuristics. Autodesk has incorporated AI to enhance this tool, including a feature that identifies and excludes standard fasteners from drawings.
The process takes several minutes to complete, with Heventhal’s demo generating 53 drawings in seven minutes. While not perfectly automated, these drawings provide a solid foundation requiring minimal editing.
The Auto Dimension tool further aids in refining these drawings by suggesting dimension placements. Users can select from multiple automation suggestions, then manually adjust as needed.
Stadtmueller predicts Automated Drawings could eventually handle 100% of the drawing creation process, significantly enhancing efficiency.
Autodesk’s North Star Vision for AI
While Sketch AutoConstrain and Automated Drawings improve current workflows, Autodesk envisions a broader AI integration to transform CAD design. Stadtmueller refers to this as the “North Star vision for AI,” aiming to shift the paradigm of design and manufacturing.
Autodesk aims to simplify and streamline CAD, moving beyond current tools’ limitations. Stadtmueller projects that, within five to ten years, this ambitious vision could become a reality, fundamentally altering the industry.
For now, Autodesk will continue to roll out helpful AI features, preparing the industry for this paradigm shift.
Conclusion
Autodesk Fusion’s AI-driven tools, Sketch AutoConstrain and Automated Drawings, redefine the boundaries of CAD design efficiency. These innovations, alongside Autodesk’s ambitious North Star vision, point towards a future where CAD could be significantly more intuitive and user-friendly.
Whether you’re a CAD novice or a seasoned professional, these tools promise to streamline workflows and reduce common frustrations. As technology advances, the future of design appears poised for remarkable transformation.
What do you think about these AI developments? Share your thoughts in the comments below, or join the conversation on social media. Stay tuned for more updates on the evolving world of CAD technology.