Open Mind to present AI automation at MACH 2026

Open Mind Technologies will return to the MACH exhibition at the NEC, Birmingham from 20–24 April, where the company will showcase the latest developments in its hyperMILL CAD/CAM suite (Hall 17, Stand 230). The focus this year will be on digital process chains, connected manufacturing, automation, turning and hyperMILL Virtual Machining, supported by live demonstrations and practical programming examples.

As data integration becomes more important in modern manufacturing, Open Mind will highlight how hyperMILL works in combination with IT systems such as MES, PLM and tool‑management platforms. Visitors will see the system’s connection with Hummingbird MES, a solution designed to improve transparency, efficiency and flexibility by making production‑related data available throughout the business in real time. Changes to production status — such as component completion — are visible immediately to all users, removing the need for manual refreshes and supporting consistent process organisation.

A key feature of Hummingbird MES is its Kanban‑based planning environment, which provides an overview of both assigned and unassigned production tasks. The team board acts as a central communication tool, consolidating all information on pending orders and making process updates accessible across the shopfloor. It also supports all CAM systems and production machines and integrates directly with hyperMILL®. The system also includes a suite for digital tool management.

Five‑stage digitalisation process
With the Tool Logistics module, users can standardise and streamline tool handling, addressing common issues such as poor transparency, unplanned downtime, excessive stockholding and premature tool replacement. Open Mind’s specialists apply a five‑stage digitalisation process — starting with analysis of existing systems and tool storage methods — to help manufacturers introduce stable, efficient digital tool management frameworks. Standardised data within the hyperMILL or other CAM tool database forms a key part of this foundation.

Making its MACH debut will be hyperMILL Intelligence, a new technology platform designed to tackle real manufacturing challenges through rule‑based automation, tool and machine optimisation and AI‑assisted programming. The system introduces hyperMILL Chatbot and hyperMILL Data Center, combining conventional automation strategies with artificial intelligence (AI) to reduce routine work, minimise tool‑related errors, lower machining risk and prevent loss of programming knowledge. Rule‑based routines can automate repetitive CAD/CAM tasks, while tool‑based optimisation draws on digital twins to ensure accurate parameter and strategy selection. Machine‑based optimisation and real‑time AI guidance aim to deliver smoother, more reliable workflow integration on the shopfloor.

Visitors to MACH will also be able to see the European premiere of hyperMILL 2026, the latest version of the software scheduled for release ahead of the exhibition. The new release includes a range of enhancements that Open Mind’s UK team will outline during the event.