MathWorks Adds Smart AI Assistants to MATLAB and Simulink
The update brings Simulink Copilot and Polyspace Copilot, AI-powered tools designed to assist engineers in model-based design and software code analysis
MathWorks has released R2026a of its MATLAB and Simulink product families, introducing new artificial intelligence capabilities to improve productivity in embedded systems development while maintaining engineering rigor and traceability.
The update brings Simulink Copilot and Polyspace Copilot, AI-powered tools designed to assist engineers in model-based design and software code analysis. These copilots are embedded directly into existing environments such as MATLAB and Simulink, enabling teams to accelerate workflows without disrupting established processes.
The release also integrates MATLAB and Simulink into agentic workflows through new offerings like MATLAB MCP Core Server and MATLAB Agentic Toolkit.
“Engineering teams now have access to capabilities enabled by generative AI, and leaders need confidence that these translate into tangible engineering and business benefits. In engineering design and software verification, productivity improvements cannot come at the expense of rigor, traceability, or trust. MathWorks is committed to delivering grounded AI tools for engineering that help teams move faster while preserving the discipline and confidence required to develop complex engineered systems,” said Avinash Nehemiah, MathWorks Head, Product Management, Marketing, and Design Automation.
Simulink Copilot provides contextual assistance by generating model explanations, identifying issues, and recommending solutions based on user workflows and documentation.
Meanwhile, Polyspace Copilot helps engineers interpret static analysis results and resolve coding issues efficiently. A new “Polyspace as You Code” feature enables real-time detection of defects and vulnerabilities in C and C++ code, including AI-generated code.
Additional enhancements include a unified Polyspace desktop application, improved bug detection tools, and runtime error analysis capabilities. R2026a also introduces new tools such as MATLAB Course Designer and Simulink FMU Builder, alongside updates that improve integration with Python, data visualisation, and wireless network simulation.
The release underscores MathWorks’ push to embed AI into engineering environments, helping teams move more efficiently from development to production across industries including automotive, aerospace, and energy.
