Knowledge-based engineering, for humans and the agents they command
A declarative CAD language—precise NURBS solids, non-manifold booleans—exposed as MCP tools. Drive it in natural language, write it in Lisp, or hand it to an autonomous agent. Refined since 1997, built on ANSI Common Lisp for multi-generational stability.
(define-object robot (base-object)
:computed-slots
((head-radius 1.0)
(body-length 3.0))
:objects
((head :type 'sphere
:radius (the head-radius))
(body :type 'box
:length (the body-length))))Powerful Features for Engineering Applications
Genworks GDL combines symbolic AI heritage with modern LLM integration, industrial-grade 3D modeling, and multi-generational stability—backed by established partners and built for the long term.
- AI-Native Architecture
In GDL, code is data and design is declarative. You describe what a thing is—its parameters and the rules relating them—and a demand-driven engine computes the rest. That's exactly the shape of problem an LLM is good at: an agent emitting or rewriting a define-object form manipulates the same s-expressions a human edits, and queries the running image the same way. Homoiconic, declarative, introspectable—the stack is the natural substrate for both operators.
- Multi-Generational Stability
Built on ANSI Common Lisp—the same standard powering mission-critical systems since 1984. Your Genworks GDL applications written today will likely run unchanged in 2075. Refined since 1997, designed for longevity, not trends.
- Industrial-Strength Ecosystem
Backed by Franz Inc (since 1984) and powered by the renowned SMLib NURBS kernel, with HarmonyWare CAD I/O expertise. Precise solid modeling, non-manifold booleans, and STEP/IGES exchange aren't just a library—they're exposed as callable tools that a human or an autonomous agent can invoke over MCP. Multiple layers of support continuity protect your investment for decades.
Training and Certification
Learn GDL with structured courses, exercises, and instructor-led training at Gornschool.
FAQ
Common questions about Genworks GDL.
How is Genworks GDL different from traditional CAD?
In Genworks GDL, your design intent lives in executable code, not frozen geometry. This means your engineering knowledge is captured as declarative definitions that update automatically when inputs change—enabling automation, optimization, and long-term flexibility that traditional CAD-only models cannot match.
Why Common Lisp?
Common Lisp combines symbolic AI heritage with industrial-strength performance. Its ANSI standard (stable since 1994) ensures your code will run for decades, while its powerful macro system and runtime flexibility make it ideal for building knowledge-based engineering systems. Franz Inc has continuously supported Allegro CL since 1984.
What is the difference between Gendl and Genworks GDL?
Gendl is the AGPL-licensed open-source kernel—perfect for research, education, and hobbyists. Genworks GDL builds on Gendl with commercial licensing, the SMLib NURBS kernel, HarmonyWare CAD I/O integration, Franz Inc partnership, and enterprise support. Both share the same core architecture refined since 1997.
How long has Genworks been in business?
Genworks International (founded as Knowledge Based Solutions in 1997) has been continuously operating for 27+ years. We've powered mission-critical applications at Fortune 500 companies since 2002 and maintain support continuity agreements with Franz Inc to ensure long-term stability.
Is this for humans or AI agents?
Both—by design, not by retrofit. Because GDL is homoiconic (code is data) and declarative (you state intent, the engine computes the result), the same define-object source a Lisp developer writes is exactly what an LLM agent emits and rewrites. The runtime is introspectable through the REPL, and the whole stack—down to the Emacs editor itself, via Elisp—is exposed over MCP. A human drives it through the editor; an agent drives it through the same tools. The symbolic foundation is what makes that confluence natural rather than forced.
Try it now
Experience Genworks GDL in Your Browser
No installation required. The same live environment can be driven by a human at the terminal or by an AI agent over MCP—same code, same tools, two operators. Explore interactive examples and see knowledge-based engineering work in real time, right in your browser.