Hexagon presents adaptive manufacturing and automated quality workflows

Manufacturing environments with variable production volumes and higher product customization require tighter integration between machining, inspection, and automation to maintain consistent quality. In this context, Hexagon will present a portfolio of measurement, CAM, and robotics technologies to support adaptive, quality-driven manufacturing workflows at Hannover Messe 2026, held from 20 to 24 April in Hanover, Germany, at Hall 17 – Stand F20.

Production variability pushes quality upstream
European manufacturing is experiencing shorter production cycles, higher product variability, and deeper automation integration. In such environments, quality deviations often appear late in the process, increasing rework and reducing margins.

Hexagon’s approach focuses on embedding quality control earlier in the production cycle, aligning machining, inspection, and data feedback into a continuous loop. Rather than replacing existing infrastructure, the systems are designed to extend current workflows, enabling manufacturers to respond to demand fluctuations without introducing operational risk or material waste. This aligns with broader trends in the digital supply chain, where real-time data exchange supports process stability.

CAM workflows integrate simulation and operator feedback
The latest version of EDGECAM introduces expanded capabilities for CNC program preparation and verification. The system enables full 3D simulation of machining operations, allowing toolpaths and processes to be validated before execution. These simulations can be shared through Live Job Reports, which provide browser-based, interactive visualisation for shop-floor operators.

This reduces reliance on manual interpretation of machining instructions and helps detect potential errors before material is processed, particularly in complex multi-axis machining environments.

Hexagon Copilot for EDGECAM adds natural language interaction within the CAM environment, enabling programmers to locate commands, access documentation, and navigate functions more efficiently. This reduces non-productive time associated with increasingly complex CAM interfaces and supports skill development in workshops with varying levels of operator experience.




Inspection moves closer to the production line
Inspection systems are being repositioned from isolated quality departments to in-process and near-process environments. With PRESTO Quality Stations, Hexagon will demonstrate automated robotic inspection systems that reduce the delay between manufacturing and quality validation.

Shorter feedback loops allow corrective actions to be implemented during production rather than after batch completion. This is particularly relevant in high-volume automotive manufacturing and in aerospace applications, where large components are often inspected manually.

For large-scale assemblies such as aircraft wings, ship panels, and turbines, the Leica Absolute Tracker ATS800—mounted on a wireless AGV—enables automated laser-based measurement. Manual inspection processes that previously required weeks can be reduced to days or hours, depending on component size and measurement scope. In addition to time reduction, the system limits operator exposure to hazardous or complex environments, improving safety conditions.

Humanoid robotics targets labour and flexibility gaps
Hexagon will also demonstrate the AEON humanoid robot, developed for industrial environments requiring flexible task execution. The system combines sensor-based perception, AI-driven mission control, and spatial intelligence to perform tasks such as material handling, inspection, and reality capture.

Its mobility and multi-machine interaction capabilities position it for deployment in facilities facing labour shortages or requiring adaptable automation beyond fixed robotic systems. These characteristics reflect ongoing developments in AI-enabled automation within manufacturing ecosystems.




CMM and metrology software streamline inspection data flow
To support increasingly complex inspection requirements, Hexagon will introduce MAESTRO, a new coordinate measuring machine (CMM), alongside updated metrology software enhancements for PC-DMIS.

The combined system automates measurement routines, standardises reporting, and improves data integration across inspection workflows. By reducing manual intervention and enabling more consistent data handling, the system supports scalable, digital-first quality operations.

This contributes to a more interconnected inspection environment, where measurement data feeds directly into production and engineering processes, reinforcing closed-loop quality control.

Taken together, these systems indicate a shift toward tightly integrated machining, inspection, and automation workflows, where quality control becomes a continuous, data-driven function embedded across the production cycle.

Edited by Aishwarya Mambet, Induportals Editor, with AI assistance.

www.hexagon.com