Show HN: AI in SolidWorks (www.trylad.com)

A new SolidWorks add-in called Language-Aided Designer (LAD) has been announced, allowing users to design using natural language. LAD translates plain language descriptions into SolidWorks operations, facilitating sketch creation, feature development, and assembly design through conversational input. The latest version introduces several enhancements, including a planning mode, macro functionality, and improved detection of sketch issues—all aimed at streamlining the design process and improving user experience. This development is significant for the AI/ML community as it showcases the practical application of natural language processing within CAD software, reflecting a growing trend towards more intuitive design tools. By leveraging AI to understand and verify design commands using screenshots and the feature tree, LAD not only accelerates the design workflow but also helps prevent errors, making advanced design techniques more accessible to non-expert users. This could potentially lower the barrier to entry for high-level CAD operations, fostering innovation and creativity in design practices.