At Autodesk University 2026, held in Las Vegas between September 15 and 17, 2026, Autodesk presented a vision for integrating artificial intelligence across the product lifecycle, rather than confining it to separate tools for designers or engineers. The vision is based on combining Autodesk AI with the industrial cloud and connecting design, manufacturing, and product-management data.
Andrew Anagnost, Autodesk’s CEO, said that artificial intelligence does not eliminate the need for humans, because creating real value requires bringing people, processes, and resources together within an interconnected work environment. The company is advancing this approach through its specialized cloud platforms, including Forma for architecture and construction, Fusion for design and manufacturing, and Flow for the media and entertainment industries.
What Is Changing in Fusion in Practice?
Autodesk showcased AI functions in Fusion intended to reduce repetitive work and support design decisions. Examples include generating initial shapes, suggesting design modifications, and assisting with component assembly, in addition to a workflow that connects design with manufacturing.
The functions presented include AutoAssemble, which helps determine component positions within an assembly, and AutoTimeline, which creates timeline features necessary for editing. The Find Similar function also enables searches for parts designed previously, based not only on the part number but also on geometric similarity, helping reuse existing models instead of designing new parts from scratch.
In the manufacturing stage, Autodesk introduced the Automated CAM Programming function, which suggests the toolpaths required for the machining process, with the ability to adjust the result according to the user’s requirements. The core idea is to reduce manual steps, not to turn the process into an automated decision that cannot be reviewed.
Intelligent Agents for Managing Product Changes
The presentation goes beyond individual design to product lifecycle management. Autodesk revealed an approach toward what it calls Agentic PLM, in which Autodesk Assistant analyzes project data and context, then supports procurement and engineering teams when changes or component shortages arise.
The case presented involved a supplier facing a shortage of a component in an industrial robot. Based on supplier specifications and part data, the assistant can suggest alternatives or identify affected components, while the design engineer reviews the suitability of the alternative and confirms the contents of the bill of materials (BOM). The system can also create an explanation of the change, assign tasks to the relevant parties, and send notifications to engineers.
Why Does This News Matter?
The announcement is significant because it moves artificial intelligence from the level of assistance within a design tool to the level of coordination among design, manufacturing, and the supply chain. This connection could reduce the time required to identify the impact of a single change on a product or its components, but it makes data quality and the integrity of the organizational context essential conditions for useful results.
Autodesk implicitly acknowledges that the final decision remains human: the assistant may present multiple options or reveal risks, but the engineer is required to verify the technical content and bill of materials before approving the change. Therefore, the presentation does not provide evidence of complete automation of product management, but rather of gradual automation of research, analysis, and work coordination while leaving final approval with the specialized teams.
The material also did not include complete details about availability dates, pricing, or access limits for all functions. Practical questions remain related to the accuracy of Fusion and PLM data, how incomplete data is handled, and the extent of Autodesk Assistant’s ability to interpret each organization’s specific business rules.