What AI Really Means for Engineering Design Workflows in 2026

AI is already changing how engineers work inside CAD tools. This expert perspective, with insights from PTC's 2026 Creo 13 Launch, explains what comes next.

July 20, 2026

Sponsored by

Many in the industry may be wondering how AI tools will affect users of computer-aided design software. Questions may arise such as:

Will CAD automation streamline engineers’ workflows?
Will it ultimately simplify or add complexity to engineering projects?
As AI takes on more tasks, will design engineers become obsolete?
Will AI make it easier to ensure accuracy, compliance, and manufacturability?

In this Ask the Expert, we ask Alex Yaroshenko, Product Manager for PTC, about his vision for the integration of AI in CAD software. He discusses the thought processes behind Creo's AI feature development and what having AI-powered CAD tools at their fingertips will mean for design engineers now and in the future. From the labor-saving CAD automation capabilities available today to design-intent and model-aware AI for product design engineers that act as true design partners, the possibilities for AI in CAD are poised to evolve in the coming years.