Zoo - A Text-to-CAD design tool leveraging NLP for 3D model generation.
## Primary Functionality of Zoo
Zoo's primary functionality is **Text-to-CAD**, which allows users to generate precise 3D CAD models by inputting text prompts. This NLP-driven feature supports real-time modifications and generates KCL (KittyCAD Language) code for further editing.
## Mechanics of Zoo's Text-to-CAD
Zoo's Text-to-CAD uses NLP to analyze text prompts (e.g., 'a 10-blade fan impeller') and generates editable **B-Rep surface models** (not point clouds). These models can be imported into existing CAD programs. The feature is powered by Design API and Machine Learning API.
## Key Features of Zoo
- **Text-to-CAD**: Free alpha version for generating 3D models via text.
- **Real-time modifications**: Adjust models during design.
- **KCL code generation**: Outputs KittyCAD Language code for use in Modeling App.
- **GPU-driven Geometry Engine**: Ensures efficient rendering.
- **Open API**: Supports integrations (e.g., GitHub, Slack) via KittyCAD and ML-ephant APIs.
## Pricing Model of Zoo
- **Open-source**: UI and basic tools (e.g., Modeling App, Diff Viewer) are free and available on GitHub.
- **Core API**: Free for 40 minutes; beyond that, costs $0.50 per minute. Text-to-CAD is currently free during its alpha phase.
## Future Developments for Zoo
Zoo plans to allow users to **fine-tune Text-to-CAD models** using proprietary datasets, enabling customized design solutions. Additionally, KCL will be enhanced via Language Server Protocol (LSP) for better editing.
## Accessing Zoo's Resources
- **Website**: [Zoo Official](https://zoo.dev/)
- **Text-to-CAD**: [Free alpha version](https://zoo.dev/text-to-cad)
- **GitHub**: [Open-source projects](https://github.com/kittycad) (e.g., modeling-app, text-to-cad-ui).
## Key Features of Zoo
- **Remote GPU processing**: Enables complex model handling across devices.
- **MIT-licensed projects**: modeling-app (TypeScript), text-to-cad-ui (SvelteKit), and kittycad.rs (Rust).
- **KCL**: A dedicated CAD scripting language with future LSP support.
## Potential Concerns Regarding Zoo
- **Cost**: High-frequency API usage may be expensive for small teams.
- **Data privacy**: Future fine-tuning features could raise questions about proprietary dataset handling.
- **Alpha limitations**: Text-to-CAD's free status may change post-alpha.
### Citation sources:
- [Zoo](https://zoo.dev) - Official URL
Updated: 2025-04-01