PTC has launched Onshape Labs, an early-access program within its Onshape cloud-native CAD and PDM platform, giving participating customers access to developing AI-powered features. The program, announced July 15, 2026, includes prompt-based rendering, robotics simulation workflows, and planned tools for drawing validation and text-to-CAD creation. Broader availability is expected later this summer, when users can opt in through Onshape "Preferences" settings.
Product development software increasingly incorporates AI into design and data management workflows. Onshape's cloud architecture captures design activity in real time, creating structured data that supports AI functions related to design intent, previous work, and task automation. The move reflects a broader push to integrate AI for Product Development into everyday engineering tools.
What's available now
- AI Quick Render: Prompt-based generation of renderings
- Onshape to Isaac Sim workflows: Brings CAD assets into NVIDIA Isaac Sim, an open robotics simulation framework, with Omniverse Libraries supporting simulation-ready visualization for robotics teams
What's coming soon
- AI Agents and Automation: Capabilities intended to perform tasks, enforce standards and operate alongside engineers with user visibility and control
- Drawing Checker: AI-powered validator designed to check whether drawings conform to standards
- FeatureScript MCP Server: Framework for Text-to-Code-to-CAD workflows, enabling prompt-based CAD geometry creation and CAD customization
The program gives product development teams a chance to test AI-driven Design tools before they become generally available. PTC may refine, modify, discontinue or generally release any Onshape Labs capability.
Why this matters for product development teams
Onshape Labs lets engineers experiment with AI features that could shorten design cycles and reduce manual checking work. By opting in early, teams can influence tool development and build workflows that fit their specific standards and automation needs. The cloud-native setup means all design context is captured, making AI outputs more relevant to real projects.
For more information, visit ptc.com.
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