The Future of NURBS in CAD: Trends and Innovations

Faculty of Science and Technology, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Fez 30000, Morocco;

^* Corresponding author: hajar.outaybi@usmba.ac.ma
^† Corresponding author: ahmed.elkhalfi@usmba.ac.ma
^‡ Corresponding author: jawad.mekkaou@gmail.com

Abstract

Non-Uniform Rational B-Splines (NURBS) remain central to CAD. Their key strength lies in precision, especially for modeling intricate curves and surfaces. Engineers continue to rely on them. Yet technology advances. Cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and collaborative tools are changing how NURBS are applied. Together, these innovations reshape industrial design workflows. This study investigates those transformations. It focuses on how NURBS-based workflows adapt to the specific needs of sectors such as aerospace, automotive, and additive manufacturing. These industries require high accuracy and complex geometries. We illustrate our analysis with case studies. Through these, we explore the influence of distributed design systems and AI-driven geometry generation. We also examine the use of real-time simulations enabled by the Internet of Things. Cloud collaboration shortens the iteration cycles by 40%, according to recent data [1]. AI-based optimization lowers geometric inaccuracies by about 30% [3]. These improvements are significant and measurable. High-performance computing also plays a role. Especially in lightweight design tasks where speed and detail are critical. HPC accelerates simulation and supports design decisions. Interoperability is equally important. Standards such as STEP enable seamless transitions between CAD and CAE. They help unify tools and ensure continuity across systems. Altogether, the results point to a shift. NURBS workflows are evolving toward more adaptive, sustainable, and computationally resilient structures. Far from obsolete, NURBS continue to serve as vital instruments for the future of CAD.