PTC Launches Onshape Labs to Bring AI Directly into Product Development

ChampionXperience Team

15 July 2026 4 mins to read

PTC has introduced Onshape Labs, a new early access program that gives Onshape users the opportunity to explore next-generation features before they become part of the standard platform. The initiative is designed to accelerate innovation by releasing new capabilities outside Onshape’s regular three-week update cycle and improving them through customer feedback.

Instead of treating artificial intelligence as a separate tool, Onshape Labs brings AI directly into the cloud-native CAD and PDM environment where engineers already design, collaborate, and manage product data.

What is Onshape Labs?

Onshape Labs is an innovation program focused on developing and testing new technologies with real users. Customers who participate can try experimental features early, provide feedback, and help shape how those capabilities evolve before they are released more broadly.

Because Onshape is cloud-native, every design decision is captured in real time. This gives AI access to the engineering context it needs to better understand design intent, assist engineers, and automate repetitive tasks within the product development process.

Current Features Available in Onshape Labs (Early Access)

The first release of Onshape Labs includes two capabilities that users can start exploring today:

AI Quick Render

AI Quick Render allows users to generate professional-looking product renderings from a simple text prompt. Instead of spending time creating presentation images manually, engineers can quickly produce high-quality visuals in just a few seconds.

Onshape to Isaac Sim Workflows

Robotics teams can now publish CAD assemblies directly from Onshape to NVIDIA Isaac Sim using Omniverse-compatible workflows. This makes it easier to create simulation-ready digital models, define robotic behavior, and keep simulations synchronized as product designs change.

AI Advisor and Contextual Assistance

The AI Advisor will provide real-time, context-aware guidance directly within Onshape. It will help engineers troubleshoot issues, learn best practices, and get up to speed faster without leaving their design environment, making everyday design work smoother and more efficient.

Features Coming Soon

PTC also previewed several new AI-powered capabilities that are currently under development.

AI Agents and Automation

AI agents will be able to perform routine engineering tasks, automate workflows, enforce company standards, and work alongside engineers while providing full transparency and user control.

Drawing Checker

Drawing Checker is an AI-powered validation tool that automatically reviews engineering drawings and helps ensure they comply with company and industry standards before release.

FeatureScript MCP Server

One of the most exciting announcements is the FeatureScript MCP Server, which introduces a Text-to-Code-to-CAD workflow. Engineers will be able to describe what they want in natural language, and AI will generate editable CAD functionality using Onshape’s FeatureScript language, making customization faster and more accessible.

Built with Customer Feedback

Unlike standard Onshape updates, Labs features are released as soon as they are ready for testing. User feedback plays a central role in deciding how these capabilities evolve, allowing PTC to improve features more quickly before they become generally available.

This approach gives engineers early access to new technology while helping shape the future of the platform.

Availability

Onshape Labs will be available to all Onshape users, although access will vary depending on the specific feature. For Professional and Enterprise customers, a company administrator must enable Labs before users can access available capabilities.

PTC expects broader availability later this summer through an opt-in option found under Preferences > Onshape Labs.

Looking Ahead

With Onshape Labs, PTC is bringing AI directly into engineering workflows instead of treating it as a separate tool. AI Quick Render, robotics simulation, intelligent automation, and Text-to-Code-to-CAD give engineers early access to technologies that can transform the way they create and refine products.

PTC will continue expanding Onshape Labs with new capabilities, allowing engineers to test emerging cloud-native CAD technologies and help shape future development through their feedback.