Key Takeaways
- Blue tokens are the new consumption‑based currency Dassault Systèmes uses for its AI assistants (Aura, Leo, Marie) on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform.
- Tokens are sold in 25 000‑unit packs for US $1 250 per year and expire on 31 Dec.
- Every SolidWorks licence includes 2 000 free tokens each calendar year.
- Token cost varies by request complexity – a quick insight may consume < 5 tokens, while a generative design can use > 200 tokens.
- Leo’s “assembly performance analysis” skill is currently the most used by SolidWorks engineers.
Introduction: AI Companions Meet a Token Economy
Dassault Systèmes recently launched three AI‑driven virtual assistants—Aura, Leo, and Marie—on its 3DEXPERIENCE cloud. While the rollout was highlighted in a July 23 press release, the accompanying token‑based licensing model received far less fanfare. SolidWorks CEO Manish Kumar confirmed that the company is now charging for AI interactions through a proprietary unit called a blue token.
What Are Blue Tokens?
Blue tokens function as a metered credit system that tracks three usage dimensions Dassault calls knowledge, know‑how, and work. Each AI query deducts a token amount proportional to its computational intensity:
| Request type | Approx. token consumption | Typical use case |
|---|---|---|
| Simple FAQ or quick tip | 1‑5 tokens | “What’s the default fastener size for a 10 mm hole?” |
| Mid‑level analysis (e.g., part‑mass estimation) | 20‑50 tokens | “Generate a mass properties report for this assembly.” |
| Complex generative design or large‑scale simulation | 150‑300+ tokens | “Create a topology‑optimized bracket for a 5 kN load.” |
Tokens are non‑transferable, reset annually, and cannot be rolled over.
Pricing & Annual Allocation
- Standard pack: 25 000 blue tokens for US $1 250 (≈ 5 cents per token).
- Expiration: All tokens lapse on 31 December of the purchase year.
- Free quota: Each SolidWorks licence receives 2 000 tokens at no cost, enough for several dozen routine insights.
“A single 25 000‑token pack can sustain thousands of quick checks or dozens of heavyweight generative builds,” the Dassault FAQ states.
Competency Framework: Who Does What?
Dassault groups each assistant’s capabilities into competencies, which are further broken down into skills. The table below summarizes the three companions most relevant to mechanical designers:
| Companion | Core competency | Example skill | Typical token cost* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aura | Conceptual design | Sketch‑to‑3D conversion | 10‑30 tokens |
| Leo | Mechanical design | Assembly performance analysis (the “performance doctor”) | 15‑40 tokens |
| Marie | Manufacturing & sourcing | Bill‑of‑materials cost estimation | 20‑50 tokens |
*Token ranges are illustrative; actual consumption depends on model size and query depth.
How Tokens Translate to Real‑World Workloads
Assume a SolidWorks shop of 50 engineers, each with the standard 2 000 free tokens:
- Annual free pool: 50 × 2 000 = 100 000 tokens.
- Typical usage pattern: 70 % quick insights (≈ 3 tokens each) and 30 % deeper analyses (≈ 50 tokens each).
- Resulting capacity: Roughly 20 000 quick insights or 2 000 in‑depth analyses per year before any purchase is required.
If the team needs additional generative design cycles, a single 25 000‑token pack would cover:
- 125 generative builds at 200 tokens each, or
- 8 333 quick insights at 3 tokens each.
Comparison: Free vs. Paid Token Scenarios
| Scenario | Tokens available | Cost | What you can accomplish (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baseline (free only) | 100 000 (50 licences) | $0 | 20 000 quick insights or 2 000 complex analyses |
| One paid pack | 125 000 (incl. free) | $1 250 | 25 000 quick insights or 2 500 complex analyses |
| Two paid packs | 150 000 | $2 500 | 30 000 quick insights or 3 000 complex analyses |
Numbers are based on average token consumption; actual results will vary by project complexity.
Bottom Line
Dassault Systèmes’ blue‑token model introduces a usage‑based pricing layer for its AI assistants, turning what was once a free add‑on into a consumable service. SolidWorks users receive a modest 2 000‑token starter allocation, sufficient for routine queries but quickly exhausted by generative design or large‑scale simulations. Companies that plan to embed AI deeply into their design workflow should budget for at least one 25 000‑token pack per year per 25‑30 engineers to avoid interruptions. The token system is transparent, but its annual expiry and variable cost per request demand careful monitoring to maximize ROI.