How Can Large Language Models Help Humans in Design and Manufacturing?

TL;DR

This paper explores how Large Language Models like GPT-4 can assist in various stages of design and manufacturing, highlighting their potential benefits and current limitations to guide future improvements.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive analysis of LLM applications across the entire design and manufacturing workflow, identifying both opportunities and challenges.

Findings

LLMs can generate design specifications from text prompts

LLMs can produce manufacturing instructions and design variations

Current LLMs have notable limitations that need addressing

Abstract

The advancement of Large Language Models (LLMs), including GPT-4, provides exciting new opportunities for generative design. We investigate the application of this tool across the entire design and manufacturing workflow. Specifically, we scrutinize the utility of LLMs in tasks such as: converting a text-based prompt into a design specification, transforming a design into manufacturing instructions, producing a design space and design variations, computing the performance of a design, and searching for designs predicated on performance. Through a series of examples, we highlight both the benefits and the limitations of the current LLMs. By exposing these limitations, we aspire to catalyze the continued improvement and progression of these models.