Siemens unveiled a new industry collaboration initiative at IMTS 2026 designed to help manufacturers bring new CNC equipment into production faster by connecting machine tools, CAM software, machine controls and digital twin technologies into a pre-integrated workflow. Dubbed Meet at the Machine, the program launches with TRAK Machine Tools as its first partner and aims to reduce the time between machine delivery and productive machining.

According to Mark Hindsbo, Head of Operations Software at Siemens Digital Industries, manufacturers expect productivity from new equipment immediately, rather than spending weeks or months integrating software, machine controls and production workflows after installation. “We’re putting everything you need to be productive day one in a connected bundle,” Hindsbo said during an interview with Machine Design. “When a machine hits the shop floor, you’re not spending a couple months getting it up and running, but you’re already up and running.”

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Siemens executives described the initiative as a response to a persistent industry problem whereby manufacturers often spend weeks or months connecting software, postprocessors and machine data after a machine is delivered.

Hindsbo said the initiative reflects changing expectations for integrated solutions rather than standalone technologies. Manufacturers face growing pressure to increase productivity while managing workforce shortages and greater operational complexity. Meet at the Machine is intended to address those challenges by creating a continuous digital thread linking engineering, programming, virtual validation and machine execution.

Addressing the Ramp-up Problem

The initiative can be characterized as a response to the gap between CNC equipment delivery and productive operation.

At the press conference, Stefanie Frank, Global Head of Siemens’ Machine Tool Systems, said manufacturers often treat a machine purchase as the end of the buying process when, in reality, it marks the beginning of a series of software, integration and validation tasks. Selecting CAM software, obtaining machine-specific postprocessors, validating programs and preparing operators frequently occur in parallel with machine construction, leaving newly delivered equipment idle while the remaining pieces are put in place.

Frank illustrated the challenge with a hypothetical aerospace supplier making a major machine tool investment. While the machine is being built, engineering teams are often still working through software and integration decisions, resulting in nonproductive time once the equipment arrives. She said the lost production opportunity can quickly add up when a machine sits waiting for programming, setup or resources.

Meet at the Machine is intended to shift that work upstream by packaging the machine control, CAM software, postprocessor and digital twin into a connected workflow. Instead of solving implementation issues after installation, manufacturers can simulate, validate and optimize machining processes in a virtual environment before the machine reaches the shop floor.

“Instead of looking and solving for the problems at the shop floor, you already solve them in the digital world,” Frank said.

First Collaboration with TRAK

TRAK Machine Tools, headquartered in Rancho Dominguez, Calif., is the first machine builder participating in the initiative. Under the collaboration, Siemens and TRAK have developed a connected workflow that combines the machine builder’s equipment with Siemens software and automation technologies.

Hindsbo said the approach brings together four key elements: the machine tool itself, a machine-specific postprocessor, Siemens CAM software and a virtual machine model. The digital representation allows manufacturers to begin validating toolpaths, production programs and machining strategies before the physical machine arrives.

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“What they’re doing is creating a post processor for the CAM software that is specific to their machine so that there is no need to custom make that,” Hindsbo explained. “They also produce a virtual machine that connects to our CAM software so that even before the machine is delivered, you can already check out your toolpaths and your designs.”

The result, he said, is a workflow that allows manufacturers to move directly into production when the machine is installed, while continuing to test and optimize machining strategies in a virtual environment.

Siemens’ Role

Steve Pinto, President and CEO of TRAK Machine Tools, described Track’s dual role as machine builder and manufacturer using SINUMERIK One, Runway Virtual Machine and digital twins.

Hindsbo emphasized that machine builders remain the centerpiece of the initiative, describing them as the “superstars” because they design and build the machine tools. Siemens contributes three primary technology components, he noted.

The first is its Sinumerik CNC platform, which captures operational data such as spindle speeds, machine behavior and toolpath execution. The second is Siemens’ CAM software portfolio, which supports part programming and manufacturing process development. The third is My Virtual Machine, a digital twin of the physical machine that enables simulation and validation before production begins.

Together, those components allow manufacturers to compare planned machining operations against actual machine behavior and perform what-if analyses in a virtual environment. “We can get all the real data from the machine and test whether these suggested productions are the right ones or not,” Hindsbo said. “And then we can run what-if scenarios against the digital machine.”

Productivity Before Delivery

A central theme of the launch was Siemens’ concept of “productive from day one,” which shifts manufacturing preparation activities earlier in the machine purchasing cycle.

Traditionally, manufacturers wait until a machine is delivered before building post-processors, testing programs and conducting initial production runs. Those activities often add weeks or months before a machine reaches full production capacity.

“Because we have the digital representation, you can already have run all of those optimizations,” Hindsbo said. “When the machine shows up, it is productive from the first day.”

Siemens noted the initiative allows programming, simulation, validation and training activities to begin while a machine is still being built, helping manufacturers accelerate ramp-up and shortening time to value. The company estimates the approach can reduce ramp-up time by as much as 50%.

Meet at the Machine is the first phase of an overarching strategy. Siemens plans to work with additional machine builders to develop integrated solutions aimed at improving machining productivity and reducing deployment complexity.

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