Generative Design: A New Engine for Complex Equipment Innovation

As the foundational infrastructure supporting intelligent manufacturing, the design process of complex equipment involves interdisciplinary, multi-objective, and multi-system collaboration, often consuming substantial human and time resources. In recent years, with advancements in artificial intelligence—particularly generative AI—industrial design has reached a new turning point. AI-based 3D model generation technology can produce novel design solutions without human intervention, promising to drive a paradigm shift in the design of complex equipment. This article focuses on this emerging and significant direction. It will introduce the developmental trends of generative design technology in academia and industry, explore its impact on high-end equipment design and advanced-manufacturing landscape, and discuss key technical bottlenecks in transitioning toward this new industrial design paradigm. The work aims to offer new perspectives for the future development of product design software.