The PTC Next event in Chicago this week saw the first steps for the company’s wider AI strategy, launching two new cross-portfolio AI tools and previewing agentic tools within Creo, Onshape, Windchill and more.
PTC Orbit has been launched to provide manufacturers with a single trusted source for asset-centric data across entire operations. The cloud-native solution connects data from PLM, ERP, CRM, IoT, EAM, and FSM systems into a single, unified asset record and uses AI to maintain data quality and make asset information and insights accessible across the enterprise.
Also announced is PTC Jetstream, built to aid internal and external teams easily share, review and capture traceable feedback. Also cloud-native it keeps tabs on actions while staying integrated with PLM, ALM, and CAD.
12 new AI agents, 10 new integrations and updates to every product in PTC’s portfolio, were also announced at what is now scheduled to be PTC’s twice-a-year launch platform PTC Next, with the CAD softwares Creo and Onshape along with PLM solution Windchill getting AI assistance.
PTC says that its new AI-assisted engineering capabilities in Creo will enable significant productivity and performance gains, with expanded support for model-based definition, composite design, simulation-driven optimisation, advanced manufacturing,and electrification, helping users deliver their best designs in less time.
Onshape has expanded its AI-assisted design feedback, next-gen model-based definition, robotics simulation, cloud-connected ECAD-MCAD collaboration, and ITAR/EAR compliance support to help teams across mechanical, electrical and government applications.
As well as a modernised UI/UX experience, Windchill now offers AI-assisted PLM workflows, expanded enterprise collaboration, and strengthened digital thread connectivity across design, manufacturing, and service engineering. Also announced in Beta are new direct connectors between Onshape and Windchill, as well as new connectors for Nvidia Omniverse.
“In a constantly changing world, the manufacturers and product companies that win move the fastest without sacrificing cost, traceability and meeting regulations,” said PTC CEO Neil Barua. “Every innovation we launch at PTC Next is designed to help our customers move faster, improve access to product data and accelerate their transformations with the Intelligent Product Lifecycle.”
