Hexagon’s new AI-powered automation slashes machine tool programming time by 75%
Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence division has unveiled ProPlanAI, an automated computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) programming tool that cuts the time it takes 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 unveiled at the Microsoft Ignite Conference in Chicago. Hexagon’s AI application uses Microsoft’s Azure OpenAI Service, Azure Cosmos DB, and Azure Databricks to help manufacturing businesses of any size apply their institutional knowledge more quickly, easily, and thoroughly. It uses artificial intelligence (AI) to automate time-consuming process planning.
ProPlanAI, due to launch in Q1 2025, will ‘learn’ from the data 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 programs are as efficient and productive as possible.
“In a highly competitive market, productivity on the factory floor is crucial,” said Chuck Mathews, General Manager for Production Software at Hexagon. “While many machines are now automated, their programming is often long and laborious and requires highly skilled professionals who are spread thinly. We have collaborated with Microsoft to leverage their powerful AI capabilities through Nexus, so manufacturers can boost productivity by allowing their programmers to focus on complicated tasks where their knowledge has the greatest impact.
“Because manufacturers use their own pool of data to build programmes, suggestions automatically reflect the knowledge and experience of individual businesses, as well as the parts they produce and the machine tools they use. This ensures that new staff members can be quickly brought up to speed, while also ensuring that there is no knowledge drain when a person leaves a company or retires – something that is vital in an industry facing a skills shortage.”
“Microsoft’s collaboration with Hexagon is driven by a shared belief that we can transform manufacturing productivity,” added Clare Barclay, President, Enterprise and Industry, Microsoft EMEA. “It’s rewarding to see how the AI capabilities provided by Azure are empowering expert CNC programmers with productivity-boosting automation while also helping new users to upskill faster. This is exactly the sort of transformation AI can bring to the industry, and we are excited to see Hexagon apply its manufacturing expertise to transform workplace productivity throughout the value chain with its Nexus platform.”
In addition to streamlining part programming, the technology could help businesses identify latent standard practices, provide notifications about deviations from company programming standards, and better use product manufacturing information (PMI) embedded in design files for even more automated CNC programming.
AI-powered chat support
ProPlanAI will also feature a co-pilot to guide people through setting up a machine and present programs that work for them. They also offer support and guidance – for example, tips on using the software, processes to make a specific part, and the best machining strategy– so users can use chat functionality to ask particular questions and launch commands.
ProPlanAI has already been beta-tested by several industry experts, including RODIN Machining. The company is on a journey towards complete unmanned production for milling, turning, gripper and material handling, loading and unloading machines, and tool change.
From Q1 2025, ProPlanAI will be available to customers who use Hexagon’s ESPRIT EDGE CAM software. Customers can add ProPlanAI to their package via an add-on subscription.
This ProPLanAI announcement results from Hexagon’s strategic partnership with Microsoft, announced in April 2024, to redefine manufacturing with cloud technology. Nexus is Hexagon’s connectivity and collaboration cloud platform, which was developed for discrete manufacturers.