The notion of intelligent design and artificial intelligence (AI) in computer-aided design (CAD) has been traced back to the dawn of CAD in the 1960s. Over the six decades since, the two have grown in tandem.
Now, as AI tools such as ChatGPT grab global headlines, the technology is sure to speed up, bringing CAD along for the ride.
In truth, CAD has always had elements of intelligence, with many metrics and parameters allowing users to draft complex buildings, electrical grids, and cityscapes.
In fact, the introduction of CAD following years of hand-drawn designs is comparable to the current introduction of AI in CAD. It’s a new generation of tools for the modern designer to harness.
So, how is AI changing the game in drafting, CAD, and engineering more broadly?
Fimcen’s expert team keeps a close eye on the industry and has the insight to offer our clients the best consulting and electrical engineering services in Australia.
If this blog doesn’t answer all of your questions, get in touch to learn more about AI and CAD in our world of work.
Streamline Repeated Manual Processes
While there is plenty of room for creativity in engineering and CAD more specifically, there are plenty of arduous and repetitive tasks too.
Processes such as dimensioning, object placement, and material assignment are all performed multiple times during the average CAD project and AI has the potential to help with all of these.
The concept of replacing human time and effort with automation is not a new concept, as CAD experts will know how helpful templates and macros can be in perfecting the workflow.
However, AI takes things a step further with ingenuity and the processing power to suggest these elements with little prompting.
Allow More Time for Creativity
While AI streamlines repetitive processes and saves time, engineers can use these extra minutes to work their creative muscles to produce more unique drafts.
As AI technology develops, it will be up to the engineer to decide how much influence they want the machine to have over their work. If they’re in the business of pumping out bulk designs with little creativity (which definitely has its place in engineering) then AI should be used at every opportunity.
However, if you’re seeking to design never-before-seen architecture or applying using bespoke systems to suit a client’s unique needs, then a uniquely human touch will be preferred over AI.
The fact is that AI in 2023 is built upon a body of man-made information systems like the internet. AI technologies can draw from this body to produce all kinds of cool results, but they struggle to offer novel solutions to novel problems.
We human engineers can rest easy knowing that our jobs aren’t being threatened by AI, so long as it remains incapable of true creativity.
Remove Human Error
Where AI does trump human engineers is its accuracy. Even the most gifted and experienced of engineers will make the odd mistake in their early drafts, whereas AI can avoid these altogether.
This is not to say that engineers are often making mistakes and handing them to clients for construction, but AI can save the time spent on correcting early mistakes.
Just like auto-correct in a word processor, AI will suggest improvements that an engineer might not notice at first glance. Then, with the click of a button, they can avoid moving forward with a flaw in their otherwise perfect project.
Contact Fimcen
For such a complex concept, this blog may not answer every single question. We encourage you to get in touch with the Fimcen team to ask any lingering questions you might have.
We’re always eager to discuss the latest in CAD technology and offer our clients every opportunity to learn from our expert team.
For consulting and electrical engineering services, Fimcen is Australia’s go-to team.