PTC has introduced Onshape Labs, an early-access program for the cloud-native CAD and PDM platform Onshape. Participants can test new features while they are still in development and provide feedback. According to the company, wider availability is planned for late summer. Registration can be completed via the Onshape settings under “Preferences” and “Onshape Labs.”

According to PTC, AI capabilities will be integrated directly into engineering workflows in the future. This is made possible by Onshape’s cloud-native architecture, which captures design decisions and product data in real time and makes them available for automated processes.

First Features in Early Access

Among the features initially available is "AI Quick Render," which creates renderings based on text input. In addition, CAD data can be transferred to NVIDIA's robotics simulation platform, Isaac Sim, via "Onshape to Isaac Sim Workflows." The Omniverse Libraries support simulations-ready visualizations.

Additional features are in the works. These include AI agents for automating engineering tasks, the “Drawing Checker” for AI-assisted review of technical drawings, and the “FeatureScript MCP Server,” which is designed to enable prompt-based creation and customization of CAD geometries.

AI Integrated Directly into the Engineering Workflow

Through Onshape Labs, PTC aims to test new AI features in real-world applications at an early stage and refine them based on customer feedback.

“Engineering teams don’t need even more siloed AI tools. They need AI that understands their products, their data, and how they actually work,” says David Katzman, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Onshape and Arena at PTC.

The company notes that features from Onshape Labs may be further developed, modified, discontinued, or made generally available at a later date, at its sole discretion.