Bentley Systems is bringing artificial intelligence directly into MicroStation workflows to help engineers and designers spend less time searching for commands, gathering data, and performing repetitive CAD tasks. Rather than positioning AI as a replacement for engineering expertise, Bentley presents it as an assistant that removes friction from everyday design work.
Bentley Copilot provides contextual assistance inside MicroStation. Users can ask questions about constructing 3D geometry, attaching cell libraries, or navigating workflows without leaving the design environment. Multilingual support can also help global teams access technical guidance in their preferred language. For users moving between AutoCAD and MicroStation, Copilot can translate familiar AutoCAD commands into corresponding MicroStation tools, reducing the learning curve.
AI can also support quality checks and reporting. Copilot can help identify potential standards problems, such as missing levels or incorrect line weights, before drawings are submitted. It can help extract model information, quantity takeoffs, element properties, and structured reports. Bentley stresses that engineers should still review and validate AI-generated results.
Bentley MCP Servers extend this approach by connecting external AI assistants with Bentley applications, including MicroStation, STAAD.Pro, ProjectWise, and Seequent Evo. This enables users to work with engineering data through tools such as Claude and GitHub Copilot without repeatedly transferring information between applications.
Python Assistant addresses another persistent CAD challenge: automation. Users can describe tasks such as renaming levels, updating cell tags, or preparing sheet layouts in natural language. The assistant then generates Python scripts that users can review and test before applying them to project data.
Bentley’s approach focuses on practical productivity. AI handles routine interactions and automation, while engineers remain responsible for technical judgment, verification, and final design decisions. Bentley Copilot and Python Assistant are currently Technology Preview features, while Bentley MCP Servers are available through an Early Access waiting list.
