Bentley Systems Brings AI-Powered Engineering Design to MicroStation

Bentley Systems has demonstrated how artificial intelligence can transform engineering design by allowing users to create complex 3D models in MicroStation using simple natural language instead of manual CAD commands or programming. To showcase the technology, an AI agent reconstructed the 2,000-year-old Antikythera mechanism in just hours, a task that would normally take weeks.

Left: Front view of the Antikythera mechanism. Right: An exploded model of the gearing, and the calendar dials on the back of the device (credit: Tony Freeth/UCL)
A fragment of the Antikythera mechanism.

MicroStation is widely used to design bridges, buildings, transportation infrastructure, and digital twins. Bentley’s new Model Context Protocol (MCP) connects AI with the software, enabling engineers to describe their ideas in plain language while the AI creates the design inside MicroStation. This reduces the learning curve, speeds up modeling, and lets engineers focus on reviewing and improving designs instead of repetitive drafting.

The model in motion, showing the planets move across the Greek skies.

Bentley has also developed an MCP server for STAAD, its structural analysis software, allowing AI-assisted engineering workflows to include structural safety checks. Human engineers remain responsible for reviewing and validating all AI-generated designs to ensure accuracy and safety.

The company believes AI will enable engineers to explore more design options, quickly update projects when requirements change, and make advanced engineering software accessible to more users. By combining AI with professional engineering tools, Bentley aims to help engineers deliver infrastructure projects faster while maintaining quality and safety.

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