Services · AI-assisted CAD
AI-assisted CAD: SOLIDWORKS and Onshape MCP servers
Model Context Protocol (MCP) servers give AI tools real, controlled access to engineering software. We build open-source MCP servers for SOLIDWORKS and Onshape, and we can build one for your own software or API.
What an MCP server does for CAD
MCP is an open standard that lets AI assistants and coding agents call tools in other software. For CAD, that means an AI can open a model, add a sketch or feature, read back the real geometry, check mass properties and export the result, rather than only describing what to do. The CAD package stays the source of truth and the AI works on the real model.
SolidPilot for SOLIDWORKS
SolidPilot connects MCP-capable tools such as Codex and Claude Code to a local SOLIDWORKS 2026 session on Windows. Its 50+ tools cover sketches, bosses, cuts, revolves, sweeps, lofts, patterns, sheet metal, inspection, drawings, exports and simulation helpers.
It is an open-source (AGPL) early-alpha project. It is not affiliated with, authorised by or endorsed by Dassault Systèmes or SOLIDWORKS.
Ultron Onshape MCP
Ultron works through the Onshape API with around 60 tools for parametric parts, assemblies, Variable Studios, FeatureScript, renders and reference-image comparison. Every change returns a structured result, with what changed, any regeneration warnings and a suggested next move, so the AI checks each step instead of assuming it worked.
It is open source (MIT) and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Onshape or PTC.
Custom MCP server development
If you have software, an internal API or a data source you would like an AI assistant to use safely, we can build an MCP server for it: a defined set of tools with clear inputs and outputs, sensible limits on what can be changed, and results the AI can verify.
We have done this for two CAD packages, and the same approach applies to other engineering tools and business systems. For CAD and prototyping in practice, see our Quality3Ds case study, or explore custom software development.
Common questions.
What is an MCP server?
MCP (Model Context Protocol) is an open standard that lets AI assistants and coding agents call tools in other software. An MCP server exposes a program’s functions, such as adding a sketch or exporting a file, as tools the AI can use.
Which AI tools work with SolidPilot and Ultron?
Any MCP-capable client, including agentic coding tools such as Codex and Claude Code.
Is SolidPilot affiliated with SOLIDWORKS?
No. SolidPilot is an independent open-source project and is not affiliated with, authorised by or endorsed by Dassault Systèmes or SOLIDWORKS. Ultron is likewise independent of Onshape and PTC.
Can you build an MCP server for our software?
Yes. Email admin@aotearoalabs.co.nz with what the software does and what you would like an AI to be able to do with it. We will suggest the tools worth exposing and the safeguards that make sense.
Get in touch
Need an MCP server built?
Tell us what the software does and what you would like an AI to do with it. We will suggest a sensible first set of tools.
Continue exploring Aotearoa Labs
SolidPilot for SOLIDWORKS→
Ultron Onshape MCP→