Computer-aided design, better known as CAD, is software that can be used by designers, engineers and creatives to bring ideas to life. What was once only possible through the use of pens, stencils, rulers and a drawing board can now be done entirely digitally. This software significantly lowers the cost and increases the accessibility of prototyping and mocking up new inventions and ideas across disciplines.
CAD as we know it was introduced in the 90s, becoming compatible with office-style PCs and being able to run on a Windows processing system. In just a few decades, however, those early models have soared to new heights, evolving to meet the needs of the modern consumer and exceed the expectations of pioneering experts. Today, we can use CAD to make almost anything, from large machinery to small household items. Additionally, CAD has inspired a global community of enthusiasts, becoming the focus of keynote speeches and conventions around the world.
Artificial intelligence is making its way into the computer-aided design space, with developers beginning to work towards integrating these two foundational entities. Merging the two would allow for the creation of a virtual assistant, streamlining the drawing, designing and conceptual processes that are considered hallmarks of the CAD software world.
Source: SolidWorks