AutoCAD automation has three routes: AutoLISP, .NET/ObjectARX and AI-assisted code. Which one fits your team size and maintenance load, in one decision table.
SolidWorks 2026 automates drawing generation and standard hardware recognition. Which minutes of the working day they give back — and which they never will.
2D to 3D conversion automation: cleanup and classification reach ~90% and ~80%, parametric wiring only ~20%. Why design intent is not in the drawing.
AI speeds up add-in scaffolding and API discovery, then gets COM lifetimes, version signatures and silent failures confidently wrong. Where I draw the line.