Generative design is a computer-aided design technique and category of software that uses AI to optimize the design process. Engineers can use generative design software to quickly iterate through many design alternatives and pick the best one according to a set of criteria.

The technique -- sometimes referred to as a design exploration process -- is used in many fields, including architecture, aerospace and construction. It helps engineers in these fields generate more ideas, generate ideas faster and bring products to market more quickly.

Although the term is most commonly applied to engineering and computer-aided design (CAD), generative design can also apply to artwork. Tools such as Dall-E, Midjourney and Stable Diffusion design realistic art from simple text prompts. Generative design is just one variant of generative AI.

Traditional design begins with a model based on the engineer's prior knowledge. Generative design does not require prior knowledge. The designer or engineer simply needs to define the problem in terms of parameters, and the software will generate solutions. Generative design occurs in three main steps:

Generative design can mimic the way nature designs systems and structures. This concept is known as biomimicry.

Generative design software uses machine learning in conjunction with user input to improve upon previous iterations. It also draws on data provided by cloud computing to inform its designs.

The term generative design is often used interchangeably with topology optimization. However, the two concepts are different.

Topology optimization is an older technique that uses a human-designed CAD model to generate a single optimized model for the engineer. The engineer provides specific loads and constraints, and the software generates a model by optimizing material layout according to the loads and constraints.

Generative design does not need a human-generated design to start. The engineer needs only to feed the software a set of constraints, and the generative design software will come up with many possible designs. It automates the ideation component of design.

Engineers can use generative design software to do the following:

Generative design has a variety of use cases across industries. Some examples include the following:

Here are some examples of generative design software applications:

The benefits of generative design include the following:

The limitations of generative design include the following:

Some theoretical example problems that generative design could be applied to include the following:

Some real-world example projects that used generative design include the following:

Generative design vendors will continue to strive to provide software that aids engineers in their pursuit of new and improved product and component designs. Currently, generative design software is one tool in an engineer's arsenal. Over time the technology will continue to improve, creating new opportunities and uncovering new obstacles. Generative design will continue to be used to create objects that are more efficient, cost-effective and aesthetically pleasing.

Generative design is just one application of artificial intelligence in manufacturing. Learn the other ways AI can streamline manufacturing processes and increase efficiency.

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