Hurco Demos AI Feature Recognition at IMTS
The machine maker showed AI that identifies machinable features in imported 3D solids alongside a redesigned, user-account-based control interface.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Artificial Intelligence
Hurco demonstrated AI-driven feature recognition in its conversational programming software at IMTS 2026. The company also unveiled a redesigned control interface built around individual user accounts.
Why it matters
Hand-programming complex parts can take an hour or more, so automatic feature identification could substantially shorten programming time for machine shops. Individual operator profiles also add a layer of customization and supervisory control to shop-floor workflows.
The company's estimate puts programming time for a five-axis part with compound-angle holes at 15 to 30 minutes using solid import, compared with an hour or more by hand. These figures are company-reported demonstration estimates, and their performance on varied real-world parts has not been independently confirmed.
The players
Hurco
Hurco is a Taiwan-linked industrial machine tool manufacturer known for conversational CNC programming software.
The details
Hurco showed the AI automatically identifying features to cut when a 3D solid is imported, highlighting each one for review. Users can inspect, edit, or remove any recognized feature before the program is finalized. The redesigned control interface remembers each operator's layout and preferences at login, includes a curved screen, and uses a physical keyboard tray that tucks away when not needed.
Timeline
IMTS 2026: Hurco demonstrated the AI feature recognition and redesigned control interface.
The Tech Race
The AI feature recognition extends Hurco's established conversational programming, which was trained as the basis for the new model. It positions the machine tool maker to compete with CAM-driven workflows that have long required manual toolpath setup.
Machine shops using Hurco controls could cut programming time for complex parts, freeing operators for production work. Individual user accounts let shops restrict supervisory access and keep each operator's layout and preferences consistent at login.
The takeaway
Automatic feature recognition could shift how shops balance CAM expertise against conversational programming. Shops evaluating the technology should test it on their own part mix before relying on the reported time savings.
Further reading
For more on applied machine learning tools, see the Artificial Intelligence section.
