Dassault Systèmes has unveiled SOLIDWORKS 2026, a landmark release that represents the most significant evolution of the platform in its history. This groundbreaking update introduces advanced AI capabilities, revolutionary modeling tools, and enhanced collaboration features that promise to transform how engineers and designers approach product development.

AI Design Engineer: Intelligent Design Assistance

At the heart of SOLIDWORKS 2026 is the revolutionary AI Design Engineer, an intelligent system that serves as a collaborative partner throughout the design process. This groundbreaking feature leverages machine learning to provide suggestions, optimize designs, and automate repetitive tasks.

“The AI Design Engineer represents a fundamental shift in how engineers interact with CAD software,” explains Thomas Chen, Senior Vice President of SOLIDWORKS R&D. “Instead of simply executing commands, the software now actively participates in the design process, bringing insights from millions of engineering solutions while adapting to each user’s unique design approach.”

Key capabilities of the AI Design Engineer include:

• Intelligent feature suggestions based on design intent
• Automatic stress analysis and geometry optimization
• Manufacturability recommendations during design
• Voice-controlled modeling and navigation
• Design pattern recognition and reuse

Hybrid Modeling System

SOLIDWORKS 2026 introduces a groundbreaking hybrid modeling approach that seamlessly integrates parametric, direct, and subdivisional modeling within a single environment. This unified system allows designers to choose the most appropriate modeling technique for each design challenge while maintaining a fully parametric history.

The new Hybrid Modeling System includes:

• Seamless switching between modeling paradigms
• Advanced subdivisional modeling with precise control
• Dynamic surface manipulation with real-time feedback
• Topology optimization directly integrated into the modeling workflow
• History-based editing for all modeling types

Real-time Simulation Integration

SOLIDWORKS 2026 transforms the simulation workflow by embedding analysis capabilities directly into the design environment. The new Real-time Simulation system provides immediate feedback on structural integrity, fluid dynamics, thermal performance, and electromagnetic properties as designers create and modify their models.

Real-time Simulation features include:

• Simultaneous design and simulation feedback
• Multi-physics analysis during the modeling process
• Automated mesh refinement based on design changes
• Performance prediction for various real-world scenarios
• AI-powered optimal design recommendations

SOLIDWORKS Cloud Ecosystem

SOLIDWORKS 2026 introduces a comprehensive cloud platform that enhances collaboration, provides access to powerful computing resources, and creates a connected ecosystem for product development. The new cloud infrastructure supports both local and distributed teams with seamless data management and version control.

The SOLIDWORKS Cloud Ecosystem delivers:

• Real-time collaboration with multiple users editing simultaneously
• Cloud-based computing for intensive simulations and rendering
• Secure project sharing with role-based access control
• Integrated PLM and PDM capabilities
• Automated version control and design history tracking

Advanced Generative Design

SOLIDWORKS 2026 elevates generative design capabilities with an enhanced system that can consider multiple manufacturing methods, materials, and performance criteria simultaneously. The new generative design tools enable engineers to explore thousands of design possibilities that meet specific requirements while optimizing for weight, cost, and manufacturability.

Advanced Generative Design features include:

• Multi-objective optimization with customizable priorities
• Manufacturing-aware design generation for various processes
• Material-specific optimization with extensive material library
• Interactive design space exploration and refinement
• Automatic documentation of design alternatives and decision criteria

Integrated Manufacturing Intelligence

SOLIDWORKS 2026 bridges the gap between design and manufacturing with comprehensive tools that provide real-time feedback on manufacturability. The Integrated Manufacturing Intelligence system connects directly to production capabilities and constraints, ensuring designs can be efficiently produced using available resources.

Manufacturing integration features include:

• Real-time DFM (Design for Manufacturing) feedback
• Automated toolpath generation for CNC, 3D printing, and other processes
• Cost estimation based on materials, processes, and production volume
• Direct connection to manufacturing equipment for production setup
• Quality control planning and inspection point definition

Extended Reality (XR) Experience

SOLIDWORKS 2026 embraces extended reality technologies with built-in tools for visualizing, reviewing, and presenting designs in augmented, virtual, and mixed reality environments. The XR Experience allows designers, stakeholders, and clients to interact with virtual prototypes at actual scale in realistic contexts.

The XR Experience includes:

• One-click deployment to AR/VR devices
• Interactive virtual assembly and disassembly simulations
• Collaborative design reviews in shared virtual spaces
• Context-based visualization showing products in their intended environments
• Ergonomic testing and user interaction simulation

Sustainability Optimization

SOLIDWORKS 2026 introduces comprehensive sustainability tools that help engineers create more environmentally friendly products. The Sustainability Optimization system analyzes designs for environmental impact and suggests improvements to reduce carbon footprint, energy consumption, and material usage.

Sustainability features include:

• Life cycle assessment (LCA) integrated into the design process
• Material selection guidance based on environmental impact
• Energy efficiency simulation for powered products
• Design for disassembly and recycling assistance
• Environmental impact dashboards and reporting

Next-Generation Performance

SOLIDWORKS 2026 delivers unprecedented performance improvements through a completely redesigned graphics engine and intelligent resource management. The next-generation architecture takes full advantage of modern hardware while optimizing resource usage for maximum efficiency.

Performance enhancements include:

• Up to 5x faster loading and saving of large assemblies
• Adaptive resource allocation based on available hardware
• Background processing of complex operations
• Optimized graphics for complex assemblies with thousands of components
• Smart caching and predictive loading of design data

Be Among the First to Experience SOLIDWORKS 2026

Join our early adopter program and transform your product development process with the most innovative version of SOLIDWORKS ever created.

Conclusion

SOLIDWORKS 2026 represents a paradigm shift in mechanical design software, blending artificial intelligence, advanced simulation, and collaborative tools into a unified platform that addresses the entire product development lifecycle. By embracing cutting-edge technologies while maintaining its intuitive workflow, SOLIDWORKS continues to lead the way in empowering engineers and designers to create innovative products more efficiently than ever before.

The software will be available starting September 2026, with beta access beginning in June for select subscription customers. For more information on pricing, system requirements, and upgrade paths, visit the official SOLIDWORKS website.