We dive into why CAD feels hard and how natural-language automation can remove friction without forcing a platform switch. Co-founder and CEO Owen Dourneau explains MecAgent’s approach to compiling plain English into SolidWorks actions, the limits of file translation, and where AI can truly help engineers.
• Pain points with feature trees and steep learning curves
• Why building on top of SolidWorks beats starting from scratch
• LLMs as a CAD compiler for dependable automation
• Examples like DXF export and sheet metal unfolding
• Simplicity over code editors to reach non‑programmers
• Risks from incumbents and startup speed advantage
• Drawings automation tradeoffs and scope
• Library, remixing, and sharing of automations
• Roadmap toward more autonomous CAD agents
• Auxiliary tools for engineering Q&A and part finding
• Partner discussions and realistic adoption paths
