Autodesk has introduced Wonder 3D, a new AI feature integrated into Flow Studio. The system generates textured 3D models from a text prompt or a reference image, producing editable meshes. Its goal is to accelerate the early stages of design by automating repetitive tasks. The announcement has reignited the ethical debate in the industry, although the company emphasizes that its training is based on its own data or licensed data.
Workflow and technical capabilities of the tool 🛠️
Wonder 3D operates within the Autodesk Flow ecosystem, generating geometry and texture maps simultaneously from an input. The result is a 3D model ready to be refined with the software's traditional tools. In addition to asset generation, the AI can produce conceptual images. Export is done in .OBJ format, allowing its use in 3D printing or other render engines, keeping the artist in control of the process.
An ethical training to sleep soundly (and avoid lawyers) ⚖️
With the eternal debate about training data in the background, Autodesk has opted for the safe route: using its own material or licensed material. Thus, while other AIs generate controversy with every render, Wonder 3D promises a more peaceful sleep to studios, free from the nightmare of a copyright lawsuit. A bet on legally impeccable AI, where the most revolutionary thing might be not having to worry about the fine print.