Tools für Hardware engineering

Lets agents drive the open-source CAD app FreeCAD: create and edit part models in natural language, run Python scripts, capture views and run FEM structural analysis for mechanical and product design. Needs FreeCAD with the addon and its RPC server, plus uv; engineers should verify results.

Lets agents work in KiCad directly: draw schematics, place components and route boards (with Freerouting autorouting), create footprints and symbols, and search the JLCPCB parts library. Needs KiCad 9+, Node.js 18+ and Python; clone and build the repo, then register it.

MathWorks' official server that lets agents start your local MATLAB, write and run scripts and unit tests, and check code style and potential errors, for computing, simulation and data analysis. Needs a licensed MATLAB R2021a+ and the downloaded server binary.

KiCad design review skills: parse schematics, PCBs and Gerbers, trace the power tree, catch common mistakes, run SPICE simulation and EMC pre-checks, and tidy the BOM. Needs Python 3.10+; simulation needs ngspice; DigiKey needs API credentials. EMC pre-checks don't replace certification.

MathWorks' official toolkit for reading, building, modifying and testing Simulink models via the MATLAB MCP server, with skills for control design, Simscape, code generation and compliance checks. Needs licensed MATLAB R2023a+ and Simulink; run the official installer in MATLAB first.

Connects Rhino 8 and Grasshopper to agents: model in plain language, edit geometry and layers, measure areas and volumes, and build Grasshopper definitions, for architecture and product design. Install the rhinomcp plugin in Rhino, run mcpstart, and have uv installed. Unofficial (not McNeel).

Drives SolidWorks from prompts: part modeling, assemblies, drawings and STEP/DXF/PDF export, with multi-view previews for self-checks. A capability list marks what's verified; sheet metal, weldments and FEA are pilots needing engineer review. Needs Windows, Python 3.10+ and licensed SolidWorks.

100+ tools that let agents drive COMSOL Multiphysics: build models, set geometry and physics (heat transfer, fluids, electrostatics, solid mechanics), mesh, solve and export results; the accompanying paper is in Neurocomputing. Needs licensed COMSOL 5.x/6.x, Python and Java; install from the repo.

Lets AI draw lines, create layers, insert blocks, add dimensions and export DXF or PDF in AutoCAD LT, for batch edits. Needs AutoCAD LT 2024+ on Windows, Python and uv; after cloning, load the bundled LISP script with APPLOAD. Can also generate DXF headlessly without AutoCAD.

Explore and analyze local KiCad projects in natural language: inspect schematic connections, export BOMs, run DRC checks, render PCB previews and recognize common circuit patterns. Needs KiCad 9+, Python 3.10 and uv; clone and install, set your project directory in .env, then register it.

Lets AI do feature-based modeling in SolidWorks: sketches, extrudes, sheet metal, assemblies and drawings, exporting STEP, DXF or PDF, and can rebuild 3D parts from DXF/DWG drawings. Needs Windows, SolidWorks 2026, a Visual Studio build of the C# layer and a Python adapter; early prototype.

McNeel's official Rhino MCP: lets Claude, Codex and other agents model, edit and organize layers in Rhino and Grasshopper, for architectural concepts and product forms. Needs licensed Rhino 8 or 9; install Rhino-MCP-Platform from the package manager and connect with MCPConnect.

Model by conversation in open-source FreeCAD: create primitives and sketches, extrude and chamfer, run Booleans, export STEP/STL, and write and debug macros. Install and start the Robust MCP Bridge workbench from the FreeCAD Addon Manager, then pip-install the server (Python 3.11).

Compiles AI-written OpenSCAD code or dimension parameters into editable SCAD and STL models, renders previews from four angles and can export 3MF. Good for parametric parts and 3D printing. Needs OpenSCAD and Python 3.11+ locally; clone the repo and run with uv. No API key.

Lets AI do parametric cloud CAD through the Onshape REST API: sketches, extrudes and revolves, assembly mates, interference checks, variable tables, and STEP/STL export. Needs an Onshape account with API access and secret keys; clone the repo and install with Python 3.10+.

KiCad assistant maintained by hardware maker Seeed Studio: analyzes schematics and PCBs, traces connections pin by pin, runs ERC/DRC headlessly, generates device trees and hardware test code, and downloads footprints. Needs KiCad 8+ (9 or 10 recommended) and Python.

Connects AI to Autodesk Fusion 360 with 90+ tools for sketches, extrude, revolve and loft, chamfers and shells, booleans, sheet metal and patterns, to automate part modeling. Needs Fusion 360 with the repo's add-in copied into its AddIns folder and started, plus uv. Beta.