Adam (YC W25) launched on Hacker News with an open-source AI CAD repository at github.com/Adam-CAD/CADAM. The project reached 61 points and drew 23 comments in its first day.
Model: Adam | License: Open source | Available: GitHub, local install | Framework: Python + geometry kernels
What It Is
Adam generates and edits CAD models from text prompts or sketches. It combines large language models with boundary representation kernels to output editable STEP and STL files. Users describe parts in natural language and receive parametric geometry that can be modified in standard CAD programs.
How It Works
The system parses prompts into constraint graphs, then solves them with a differentiable geometry engine. Outputs remain fully editable rather than static meshes. Early builds support basic mechanical parts such as brackets, gears, and enclosures.
Benchmarks and Specs
Community tests on the repository show generation of simple parts in 4–12 seconds on an RTX 4090. File sizes average 180 KB for STEP exports. No official parameter count has been released yet.
| Feature | Adam (current) | FreeCAD + LLM plugin | Onshape Generative |
|---|---|---|---|
| Text-to-CAD | Yes | Partial | Yes |
| Editable output | STEP + constraints | Mesh only | Limited |
| Local execution | Yes | Yes | No |
| License | Open source | Open source | Proprietary |
How to Try It
Clone the repository and run the provided Docker setup. Install commands and example prompts are listed in the README. No API key is required for local use.
"Install steps"
git clone https://github.com/Adam-CAD/CADAMcd CADAM && docker compose up
Pros and Cons
- Open weights and geometry code allow full inspection and modification.
- Outputs integrate directly with existing CAD workflows via STEP.
- Current version handles only prismatic parts; organic shapes remain unsupported.
- Inference speed drops sharply on CPUs without GPU acceleration.
Alternatives and Comparisons
Traditional CAD packages require manual sketching. Text-to-CAD startups such as Autodesk's Fusion Generative Design stay closed-source and cloud-only. Adam is the first fully local, editable alternative that surfaced on Hacker News.
Who Should Use This
Mechanical engineers prototyping simple parts locally will benefit most. Teams needing certified complex assemblies or cloud collaboration should wait for later releases. Researchers studying geometry-language models can fork the codebase immediately.
Bottom line: Adam delivers the first practical open-source bridge between natural language and editable CAD geometry.
The project is still early, yet its local-first design and editable outputs already differentiate it from closed generative CAD tools.
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