Siemens unveils AI features in latest Designcenter Solid Edge 2026

Siemens Digital Industries Software has announced updated features for its Designcenter Solid Edge software, focusing on artificial intelligence, productivity, documentation and an improved user interface.

The newest version, Designcenter Solid Edge 2026, aims to provide engineers with the flexibility to design on desktop, through the cloud, or a combination of both. The update enables users to work with large assemblies more efficiently and introduces a variety of AI-powered functionalities, intended to streamline workflows and enhance user experience.

AI-driven development

Among the key additions is a new AI copilot, which assists users in finding help resources using natural language. This conversational assistant, branded as Design Copilot, is embedded directly in the design environment and delivers real-time, context-aware support.

Other AI-enabled features include Magnetic Snap Assembly, which uses AI to apply assembly constraints automatically, and an automatic drawings function capable of generating up to 80 percent of 2D drawing views-including orthogonal, broken, and isometric dimensions-with minimal user input. These enhancements are designed to facilitate quicker assembly of components and reduce the time engineers spend on routine documentation tasks.

"With Designcenter Solid Edge 2026 and Designcenter X Solid Edge, we're delivering a smarter, more connected design experience that meets the evolving needs of modern engineering teams," said John Miller, Senior Vice President, Mainstream Engineering, Siemens Digital Industries Software. "The combination of powerful AI automation with flexible cloud workflows will help our customers accelerate innovation, reduce complexity and stay competitive in a fast-moving market."

The AI-powered Magnetic Snap Assembly automatically detects and applies several mating constraints as components are placed, aiming to improve speed and accuracy in assembly design. The automatic drawings feature, similarly, focuses on intelligent view placement, dimensioning, and template selection to increase documentation efficiency.

Productivity and documentation

Several new tools have been introduced for assembly, sheet metal and drafting processes. Updated Part Display Configurations and improved Visual Explode functions are intended to support reuse and visual documentation of large assemblies. Additional features, such as integrated tab and slot creation, multi-edge flange trimming, and wall thickness support, focus on improving manufacturability and reducing manual rework.

The new Tab and Slot feature in Designcenter Solid Edge 2026 is designed to automatically create precise, interlocking sheet metal connections. According to Siemens, this should allow for perfect alignment and self-fixturing during welding or assembly, reducing setup time and supporting higher manufacturing accuracy.

Features aimed at improving drafting and documentation include native revision tables, automatic hole tolerancing, and support for Product Manufacturing Information (PMI) section views in 3D PDF exports. The software also now offers user-defined symbols and shaded decals within drawing views to enhance visual communication across engineering teams and downstream processes.

User interface and cloud features

Designcenter Solid Edge 2026 places emphasis on user experience updates, with a new dark theme intended to reduce eye strain and scalable SVG icons for improved clarity. Redesigned command bars aim to simplify navigation and further reduce visual fatigue. Additionally, cloud-based settings allow users to synchronise preferences across devices, and a value-based licensing system enables token-based access to advanced tools based on usage.

The related product, Designcenter X Solid Edge, expands on these features by offering software-as-a-service functionality. It is designed to support hybrid workflows, so engineering teams can access design tools and synchronise preferences across devices through named user licensing. This aims to make collaboration possible wherever teams are working from.

Availability

Both Designcenter Solid Edge 2026 and Designcenter X Solid Edge are now available as part of the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio.