AI-supported automation Program machine tools 75 percent faster

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The automated computer-aided programming tool for manufacturing, called Pro Plan AI, is intended to reduce the programming time for machine tools by 75 percent. Manufacturers can significantly increase productivity by automating the programming of machine tools and providing users with faster access to a knowledge database.

The new artificial intelligence technology is based on Microsoft Azure services, which are integrated into Hexagon's Nexus cloud-based connectivity and collaboration platform for manufacturers. It is the next step in the development of CAM programming and enables manufacturing sites to achieve operational excellence on a large scale.

Pro Plan AI was first introduced on November 18, 2024, at the Microsoft Ignite Conference in Chicago, USA. Hexagon's AI application utilizes Microsoft's Azure Open AI Service, Azure Cosmos DB, and Azure Databricks to help manufacturing companies of all sizes apply their institutional knowledge more quickly, easily, and thoroughly by using artificial intelligence (AI) to automate time-consuming process planning.

The product launch of Pro Plan AI is scheduled for the first quarter of 2025. The solution learns from data created by a company's CAM programmers. This allows manufacturers to automatically examine existing programming information to predict ideal outcomes tailored to a company's preferences, production capacities, and needs. Pro Plan AI is available in Hexagon's popular desktop CAM software and supported by Nexus. It continuously learns and adapts to ensure that the programs are as efficient and productive as possible.

In a highly competitive market, productivity in manufacturing is crucial. Although many machines are now automated, their programming is often lengthy and complex, requiring highly skilled professionals who are in short supply.

Chuck Mathews, General Manager for Production Software at Hexagon

Chuck Mathews, General Manager of Production Software at Hexagon, comments: "We have partnered with Microsoft to leverage their powerful AI capabilities through Nexus so manufacturers can increase their productivity by allowing their programmers to focus on complex tasks where their knowledge has the greatest impact. Since manufacturers use their own data pools to create programs, the suggestions automatically reflect the knowledge and experience of individual companies, as well as the parts they produce and the machine tools they use. This ensures that new team members can be quickly onboarded and that there is no loss of knowledge when a person leaves the company or retires—an essential factor in an industry facing a skills shortage."

Clare Barclay, President, Enterprise and Industry, Microsoft EMEA, comments: "Microsoft's collaboration with Hexagon is based on the shared belief that we can transform productivity in manufacturing."

We are pleased to see how Azure's AI capabilities support experienced CNC programmers through productivity-enhancing automation while helping new users acquire new knowledge faster. This is precisely the kind of transformation AI can bring to the industry, and we are delighted that Hexagon is leveraging its manufacturing expertise to increase workplace productivity along the entire value chain with its Nexus platform.

Clare Barclay, President, Enterprise and Industry, Microsoft EMEA

Paul Mooij, Director of Digital at RODIN Machining, comments: "We started building the first autonomous factory in 2022, and we use automation extensively. But programming machine tools is complicated and requires experience."

The exciting thing about ProPlanAI is that we can leverage our human capital to achieve better machine utilization. Our team can program machines in a fraction of the time by using their valuable skills to monitor ProPlanAI suggestions and finalize the program specifications.

Paul Mooij, Director of Digital at RODIN Machining

In addition to optimizing workpiece programming, the technology could help companies identify latent standard procedures, provide notifications of deviations from company programming standards, and better utilize the product manufacturing information (PMI) embedded in design files for even more automated CNC programming.

AI-supported chat support

ProPlanAI will also include a co-pilot that guides people through the process of setting up a machine and can present them with working programs. This includes support and guidance—such as tips on using the software, processes for manufacturing a specific part, and the best machining strategy. Additionally, users can utilize the chat function to ask specific questions and initiate commands.

Pro Plan AI has already been tested in the beta version by several industry experts, including RODIN Machining, which is on the path to fully unmanned production for milling, turning, grippers and material handling, loading and unloading machines, as well as tool changes.

Pro Plan AI will be available from Q1 2025 for customers using Hexagon's CAM software Esprit Edge. Customers can add the use of Pro Plan AI to their package through an add-on subscription.

The announcement of Pro Plan AI is the result of Hexagon's strategic partnership with Microsoft, announced in April 2024, to redefine manufacturing with cloud technology. Nexus is Hexagon's cloud platform for connectivity and collaboration, developed for manufacturers.