AU 2025: How Autodesk’s AI is changing the game for designers, creators and engineers

Autodesk

At Autodesk University 2025, the focus wasn’t just on flashy announcements or tech benchmarks or adding more and more AI features to the tools. Instead it was on how these AI features are benefiting real users and how they are experiencing AI in their daily workflows. From architects and engineers to product designers, the people using Autodesk tools are starting to see a fundamental shift: AI is no longer a background assistant—it’s becoming an active collaborator.

Less grunt work, more creativity
For many users, one of the biggest pain points is repetitive, time-consuming tasks—manual file conversions, repetitive geometry edits, or sifting through complex models. Autodesk Assistant, now evolving into an agentic AI, is taking over those chores. Designers can now focus on shaping ideas, testing concepts, and iterating quickly, while AI handles the tedious steps. One architect described it as “having an extra teammate who never tires and always knows the context of your project.”

Smarter decisions in real time
Beyond automation, AI is helping users make better choices. Fusion and Construction Cloud users now get predictive insights and context-aware guidance, reducing guesswork and minimizing mistakes. Engineers report that the AI helps identify design conflicts earlier, saving days of rework. Even for beginners, conversational, product-aware prompts make complex tools feel more intuitive.

Seamless collaboration through better data
Data management has always slowed teams down. Sharing models between software, translating geometry, and aligning designs across departments can be frustrating. Autodesk’s focus on interoperability—through industry data models and exchange connectors—is directly addressing these challenges. Users can now share and collaborate more fluidly, letting AI assist in mapping and optimizing models automatically.

APIs and automation tailored to real workflows
For developers and power users, Autodesk’s evolving API model is opening doors to smarter, connected workflows. With usage-based pricing and easier access, teams can automate repetitive tasks and connect different tools without worrying about hidden costs. For end users, this translates into faster project delivery and fewer bottlenecks.

AI as a co-designer
The message from AU 2025 is clear: AI is no longer an optional add-on—it’s part of the work itself. From Autodesk Assistant to enterprise-ready MCP servers, users are experiencing a future where AI not only executes tasks but helps shape outcomes, explore alternatives, and innovate faster. The design and make process is becoming a collaboration between human creativity and AI intelligence, promising a day-to-day experience that is faster, smarter, and more connected.