Outlook 2025: The role of AI and automation in transforming metalworking efficiency

As the global manufacturing sector gears up for a market recovery in 2025, a critical shift is emerging in the metalworking industry. Companies are increasingly focusing on advanced technologies to drive efficiency, combat labor shortages, and address the growing need for precision and productivity. According to Wai Yip Lee, General Manager of Hurco (S.E. Asia) Pte. Ltd., the industry is witnessing a pivotal moment where innovations in AI-driven CNC programming, multi-axis machining solutions, and automation are redefining traditional production methods.

In the December 2024 issue of International Metalworking News for Asia, we explore how the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning is set to revolutionize CNC programming and machining processes. Hurco’s advancements, showcased at the recent International Manufacturing Technology Show in Chicago, offer a glimpse into a future where AI-powered tools like ChatCNC™ Chatbot and AI Feature Recognition are enabling faster programming, smarter machining, and unparalleled efficiency.

Below are excerpts of Wai Yip’s responses:

With industries under increasing pressure to transform and modernize their production lines, Hurco’s commitment to innovation highlights how cutting-edge control technologies can help manufacturers stay competitive in a demanding market. This report sheds light on the opportunities and challenges as end-users embrace automation and AI to streamline workflows, reduce dependency on skilled labor, and ultimately drive profitability in the years to come.

With the anticipated market recovery in 2025, we expect to see a gradual increase in the demand for new capacity, especially for machines with multiple axis to tackle demanding applications. End-users will revisit automation solutions such as machine tending to solve their labour crunch and meet tight production deadlines as they faced pressures to transform their production capabilities to stay competitive. There is a growing push from the industry to automate CNC programming through AI and further integrate and simply the programming to machining process. This aims to transform the traditional approach towards programming and machining which is largely labour intensive and heavily dependent on experienced programmers and machinist whom positions are hard to fill today. The introduction of AI and machine learning will take centre stage in the technology advancement of the manufacturing industry going forward and it is critical how Hurco can continue to innovate and push technology boundaries with our complete vertical integration – we own the entire CNC machine, control and software. Hurco have continually focused on advancing our CNC control technology to meet the evolving needs of the end-users and redefine the entire machining experience.

In the recent International Manufacturing Technology show in Chicago, Hurco unveiled cutting-edge technological advancements that mark a turning point in our ability to leverage emerging AI technology directly into the core control software. Imagine completing a conversational program in seconds automatically rather than several minutes, speeding up the machine tool operation process, and transforming efficiency in unprecedented ways. Hurco’s AI technology is a real programming option embedded at the core of the control technology, enabling customers to achieve faster, smarter, and more precise outcomes. AI is a critical enabler, helping our customers reach new levels of efficiency and profitability. Tools like Hurco’s ChatCNC™ Chatbot, which provides instant operator support, and AI Feature Recognition, which leverages machine learning to drastically reduce part programming times, have the potential to change the competitive landscape for our customers in the manufacturing industry. Developing and showcasing this kind of advancement in AI puts Hurco at the forefront of the AI manufacturing revolution, with the tools, expertise, and the solid financial strength to continue transforming the machining landscape. With our innovation pipeline brimming, Hurco is primed to continue helping our customers accelerate productivity and drive profitability for years to come.