AI Revolutionizing the 3D Modeling World: From Art to Engineering

Have you ever imagined how artificial intelligence (AI) like chatGPT could revolutionize 3D modeling? Imagine using simple English to model complex video game environments or engineer a high-precision machine part. That would be fascinating, right?
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Although this is not the reality right now, let's discuss some things we can expect to happen soon

3D Modeling and AI

First, let's acknowledge that 3D Models can be broken into code. ChatGPT and other language models, on the other hand, can write code. So theoretically, ChatGPT could generate 3D models as well.
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In this article, I'll touch on different parts of the 3D model spectrum: Art on one end, Engineering on the other, and Product Design somewhere in between.
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​Art in 3D Modeling

Art in 3D modeling cares most about the external shape of models, for example, creating video game assets or virtual replications of specific places. In these contexts, specific dimensions, mechanisms, and minor details might not hold significant value.
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With AI, I foresee a significant impact on this area. Instead of manually building or modifying objects in a game environment, you could use natural language to create those things like image generation engines like mid-journey and DALLE. A key feature of these recent AI models is the inherent randomness in output execution, which is acceptable in many art-based applications.

Engineering in 3D Modeling

The inherent generative AI randomness might not be well suited for Engineering. In this field, models must serve a function and be precisely detailed to be manufacturable, making typing "Design a car engine" and getting a functioning design less feasible. However, AI will enhance two main areas:

1. Generative or Assistive Design: Designers can provide certain parameters, and the AI system drafts a design accordingly. For example, when designing a frame for a crane, you can provide specifications like size and anticipated stress levels in different areas, and the software will produce a design adhering to these parameters.
2. Automation: Designers can build a base model and alter it into various versions using natural language prompts, creating a user-friendly experience for non-tech-savvy individuals and enabling mass customization simultaneously.

​Product Design and AI

Product designers can benefit from everything mentioned earlier. In fact, they can already use existing image generation models like Mid-Journey and DALL'E to generate quick design inspirations or even generate orthogonal views for tracing in 3D software.

​​Implications

Overall, with all those taking place, what is the AI's impact on 3D modeling that can impact us? Those can be seen in two clear areas:

1. Efficiency: AI's potential to increase efficiency with assistive design and automation is extremely promising. This will result in fewer people being able to do more work.
   
2. Bridging the Expertise Gap: AI tools like assistive design alongside other technologies will enable designers and engineers with mid-level expertise to contribute more to areas formerly dominated by senior personnel.
   

Final Thoughts

While many people are making a devil of AI due to the possibility of it replacing the workforce, the situation is quite complex. In general, Automation and computers have been impacting the design fields for many years. This goes from paper-based drawing boards to today's complex 3D design software. The recent generative AI rise is no different.

One of the best ways to keep an edge in this age is to keep on learning and honing your skills while monitoring the evolution of technology and its impact on the field. If you are already good at 3D modeling, you will naturally have an edge in using emerging technologies to evolve your existing work.

It is still a good time to start learning a 3D design tool like SOLIDWORKS. You can check our TforDesign school for learning programs on 3D modeling. You can also subscribe to our social media channels linked at the footer, which will keep you updated on all the new advancements, and how they can impact you.
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Feel free to get in touch with us for ways we can help. 

By Tayseer Almattar

Tayseer is a passionate designer and educator. He believes that innovation potential can be grown and nurtured within organizations with relevant design innovation processes. 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tayseer-almattar-design-innovation