Future prospects of computer-aided design (CAD) – A review from the perspective of artificial intelligence (AI), extended reality, and 3D printing

Computer-aided design (CAD) is the use of computer-based software to aid in design modeling, design analysis, design review, and design documentation. Nevertheless, the benefits of CAD can be elevated in combination with artificial intelligence (AI), extended reality, and manufacturing. AI can create an intelligent graphics interface and change tedious design processes into sophisticated ones. In extended reality technology, simulation can take place in a 3D virtual environment, thereby providing excellent interaction and better analysis. In manufacturing, as seen in 3D printing technology, CAD systems can be directly connected to manufacturing to produce complex parts easily and rapidly. In this paper, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in CAD, as well as CAD application in extended reality and 3D printing is examined. The primary aim of this review is to present an overview of current state-of-the-art CAD and its applications, as well as to forecast its future prospects. The article is written using a systematic review of journal papers with a focus on a wide spectrum of potentially relevant researches on CAD. The benefits of incorporating AI into the CAD systems, the use of CAD in extended reality and 3D printing, and finally a brief discussion of issues that are pushing CAD to new levels are all discussed. Finally, the review concluded that the demand for several varied products based on a single object input, immersive and interactive simulation, and direct design-to-manufacturing integration is driving CAD to new levels.