AI-Powered Automation Decreases Machine Tool Programming Time

Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence division highlights its automated computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) programming tool called ProPlanAI, that cuts the time to program factory machine tools by 75%. Powered by Microsoft Azure services built into Hexagon’s cloud-based Nexus connectivity and collaboration platform for discrete manufacturers, the new artificial intelligence technology is the next step in the evolution of CAM programming enabling machine shops to achieve operational excellence at scale.

ProPlanAI was announced at the Microsoft Ignite Conference in Chicago, USA. Hexagon’s AI application applies Microsoft’s Azure OpenAI Service, Azure Cosmos DB and Azure Databricks to help manufacturing businesses of any size to apply their institutional knowledge more quickly, easily, and thoroughly, by applying artificial intelligence (AI) to automate time-consuming process planning.

Due for public launch in Q1 2025, ProPlanAI will ‘learn’ from the data being created by a company’s CAM programmers. This will enable manufacturers to automatically explore existing programming information to predict ideal outcomes tailored to a company’s preferences, production capabilities and needs. Available within Hexagon’s popular desktop CAM software and powered by Nexus, ProPlanAI will continuously learn and adapt, ensuring programmes are as efficient and productive as possible.

AI-Powered Chat Support

ProPlanAI will also feature a co-pilot that can guide people through the process of setting up a machine and present to them programs that work. As well as offering support and guidance — for example tips on how to use the software, processes to make a specific part and the best machining strategy to use – users can use chat functionality to ask specific questions and to launch commands.

According to the company, ProPlanAI has already been beta tested by several industry experts, including RODIN Machining, which is on a journey to towards complete unmanned production for milling, turning, gripper and material handling, loading and unloading machines and tool changing capabilities.

ProPlanAI will be available to customers that use Hexagon’s ESPRIT EDGE CAM software from Q1 2025.