Reviving the Joyful Days Pre-CAD: A Nostalgic Journey

The era of computer-aided design is undergoing transformation. Meanwhile, why not turn it into a contest?

Welcome to Engineering Paper, a weekly column delivering the latest news in design and simulation software. If it’s not new, we’ll saturate it with enough flair that you won’t mind.

For our opening topic, let’s add some excitement.

Recently, I covered the surprising emergence of CAD esports in my article on the swiftest 3D CAD modelers globally. That piece discussed TooTallToby.com, a passionate community of 3D creators from various nations and software backgrounds, who engage in CAD speed contests. (A belated shoutout to RamBros, an Autodesk Fusion user from India, who claimed victory in the 2024 World Championship).

The realm of CAD speedrunning is now evolving for the next generation. TooTallToby.com has initiated a tournament for CAD design students at Le Grand High School in Le Grand, California, which will unfold throughout January (click here for the kickoff livestream on Friday, January 10).

I doubt any of my readers are qualified to participate, but I mention this to share two reflections.

First: I believe these students will excel. The top contender for last year’s speed contest was a high school student, who progressed all the way to the semifinals. Even if none of the Le Grand students are currently masters of CAD, I can’t think of a better way to stimulate their enthusiasm to enhance their skills (for more insight into the educational value of CAD speed modeling, refer to my original article).

Now the flavor: I can’t help but ponder how long this will continue to be relevant.

When will the CAD skills we recognize today become outdated?

I don’t intend to be pessimistic. As I mentioned, I’m certain that these students are dedicated to CAD and are well on their way to mastering it. However, it brings to mind my elementary school training in cursive handwriting—a skill that was noticeably decreasing in relevance even as we invested time perfecting it.

While CAD isn’t diminishing, it is poised for transformation. CAD software—generally speaking—boasts a dated, unwelcoming interface that offers minimal actual assistance to designers. CAD has encountered a bottleneck, and instead of overcoming it, developers are sidestepping, altering how the software is licensed and packaged rather than improving its functionality.

Eventually, AI will revolutionize that. I’m not merely referring to generative AI that creates 3D models from textual prompts, even though developers are actively pursuing that goal. Even a touch of well-implemented AI could redefine the essence of CAD, transforming it from a mere digital drafting table into a virtual design assistant.

When will that occur? What might it resemble? Those queries are for oracle-like insight (and also you! Feel free to send me your predictions at malba@wtwhmedia.com). In the meantime, it’s delightful to observe the upcoming generation of CAD enthusiasts enjoying the process.

A promising debut for Siemens for Startups

Siemens has introduced a new initiative for engineering and manufacturing startups aptly called Siemens for Startups (I can imagine “Xcubator” was a contender at some point*). Companies accepted into the program will receive discounted Siemens software and the chance to collaborate with Siemens on development, marketing, and more.

No cynical viewpoint on this one. My primary reaction is astonishment that this didn’t already exist—numerous engineering software providers have startup initiatives offering similar advantages. (Okay, here’s the cynical thought: it’s astute business to engage them early.)

One distinctive aspect of Siemens for Startups is its connection with AWS Startup, Amazon Web Service’s startup program, meaning qualifying companies will also gain access to AWS cloud infrastructure.

Interested? The application process is currently open.

*In other Siemens developments, Zel X has been rebranded as NX X Essentials. Exciting!

Stay true, Nvidia

It seems I can’t get through a week without mentioning Nvidia. The semiconductor manufacturer has revealed its latest venture: a “personal AI supercomputer” known as Project DIGITS.

Coming this May, Project DIGITS is a PC priced over $3,000 (or should it be PAISC?) equipped with Nvidia’s GB10 Grace Blackwell Superchip, which merges the Arm-based Grace CPU with a Blackwell GPU. The system will feature 128 GB of memory and up to 4 TB of onboard storage. It will operate on Nvidia’s Linux-based DGX OS and will be pre-configured with the company’s AI software suite.

This means users will have the capability to operate large language models with up to 200 billion parameters, according to Nvidia. In true Nvidia fashion, you’ll also be able to connect two Project DIGITS to elevate that figure to 405 billion (I’m unsure where the additional 5 billion parameters arise from).

Explore the latest BIM trends alongside me

Building. Information. Modeling. These aren’t merely organized definitions from Merriam Webster. Collectively, they illustrate the software instruments driving contemporary design, engineering, and construction processes: BIM.

Similar to CAD, BIM is also experiencing significant transformations. I wish to learn more about these changes, and if you’re interested as well, I have just the opportunity for you.

Enroll in Engineering.com’s forthcoming webinar Design: Trends in BIM on Tuesday, January 21 at 12:00 PM EST. I’ll be present interviewing BIM specialist Jennifer Schmitz from Short Elliott Hendrickson Inc. (SEH) about all the ways BIM is advancing with the assistance of AI, digital twins, sustainability requirements, and much more. Additionally, you’ll have a chance to pose any questions I might not cover.

See you there!

One final link

Last week, I provided a link to 37 things that confuse me about 3DEXPERIENCE, authored by Peter Brinkhuis of CAD Booster.

I suppose I’m not the only one who appreciated that blog post—Manish Kumar, CEO of Solidworks, recognized it in a recent LinkedIn update. Here’s an excerpt:

“We are humbled daily by the 7.5M+ users worldwide who utilize and adore our products and services. We are particularly thankful to have genuine supporters like Peter Brinkhuis, who encourage us to simplify even more. We take feedback like yours with appreciation and shall persist in making our solutions even simpler—always. Your insights are deeply valued, and we will address them with urgency.”

Have news, suggestions, comments, or grievances? Feel free to direct them my way: malba@wtwhmedia.com.