Every year, 3DEXPERIENCE World brings together engineers, designers, and manufacturers from around the globe to explore the latest advancements in technology. The 2025 event was no exception, delivering exciting updates, insightful discussions, and game-changing innovations. Here are my key takeaways from this year’s event.

A Renewed Focus on SOLIDWORKS
One of the biggest themes at this year’s conference was the reaffirmed commitment to SOLIDWORKS. Attendees were excited to see the software take center stage, emphasized by presenters declaring that “Red is Red.” The event made it clear that SOLIDWORKS remains a core focus for Dassault Systèmes, promising continued development and innovation in the platform.
Introducing Aura: AI-Powered Assistance in SOLIDWORKS
A standout announcement was Aura, a new generative AI tool integrated into SOLIDWORKS. Pascal Daloz, CEO of Dassault Systèmes, highlighted how AI will be at the center of the next generation of SOLIDWORKS tools. Aura is designed to enhance user experience by making it easier to learn and navigate features, leveraging decades of SOLIDWORKS knowledge from educational resources, user communities, and help documentation.
Instead of replacing engineers, Aura acts as a companion, empowering users to work more efficiently and effectively. Future iterations may even allow AI to interact directly with models, making modifications and suggesting optimizations—a revolutionary step for product design.
The Rise of Virtual Factory Simulation
Virtual Factory simulation was a hot topic this year, and I had the opportunity to deliver multiple presentations on the subject. Virtual Factory technology enables manufacturers to leverage their CAD data to simulate and optimize production workflows before making costly real-world changes.
Real-World Impact: A Case Study
One of our clients was integrating new robotics into their manufacturing floor and wanted to ensure that a high-cost robot would run at full capacity with zero downtime. Using simulations, we identified bottlenecks and adjusted worker assignments, ultimately increasing robot utilization from 50% to 100% while maintaining worker efficiency at 70%. This ability to test changes before implementation prevents costly mistakes and fosters a culture of continuous improvement.
Learn more about how Virtual Factory simulation can transform your production efficiency.
Manufacturing’s AI-Driven Future
Beyond Aura, AI is set to transform the manufacturing industry. From process automation to predictive maintenance, AI-driven solutions will enhance efficiency and innovation across the board. The emphasis at 3DEXPERIENCE World 2025 was clear: AI isn’t replacing engineers; it’s augmenting their capabilities, allowing for smarter decision-making and faster learning.
3DEXPERIENCE World 2025 reaffirmed the industry’s commitment to innovation, with AI and Virtual Factory technology taking center stage. With SOLIDWORKS continuing to evolve and tools like Aura making design more accessible, the future of engineering and manufacturing is brighter than ever.
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