While third parties provide many automation systems, many machine tools now offer built-in features that eliminate steps or combine processes — enhancing a shop’s capabilities. Here are seven advanced machine tool technologies that inherently automate operations and are potential game-changers for small manufacturers: Multi-tasking machines like the DN Solutions DNX 2100S enable users to fully machine parts complex parts in a single setup thanks to the combination of turning and milling capabilities. 1. Multi-Tasking CNC Machines (Mill-Turn Centers) These machines combine the capabilities of milling and turning into one platform, able to perform milling, drilling, tapping, turning, grooving, and more on a single machine. This enables users to machine parts in a single setup that would otherwise require multiple setups on a lathe and a mill. This kind of automation through process integration can be seen in the Mazak Integrex (IMTS booth 338300), the Okuma Multus (IMTS booth 338500), and the Matsuura Machinery Cublex lines of machine tools (IMTS booth 338630), as well as offerings from INDEX (IMTS booth 339119), Tsugami (IMTS booth 339410), Makino (IMTS booth 338519), Haas (IMTS booth 338100), JTEKT (IMTS booth 338700), Marubeni Citizen-Cincom (IMTS booth 339419), and DN Solutions (IMTS booth 338919). Multi-tasking machines often have dual spindles that automatically pass the part from one to the other to machine both sides, in addition to a tool turret or milling spindle for prismatic features. The outcome: drastically reduced setup and handling time. A shop can load raw material and get a finished part out without human intervention between operations. At the Marubeni Citizen-Cincom booth, IMTS attendees have the opportunity to speak to experts about how to integrate automation technology into their machine cells. This includes built-in systems such as part catchers and attached robot arms and bar feeders.2. Built-in Automation on Machines Many machine tool manufacturers offer machining centers and lathes with optional automation modules. For example, Makino (IMTS booth 338519), DN Solutions (IMTS booth 338919) and Mazak (IMTS booth 338300) offer machining centers with the option for attached pallet pools. FANUC (IMTS booth 338900) and Okuma (IMTS booth 338500) provide machining centers with optional integrated robots stationed within the machine enclosure, ready to load and unload parts. Marubeni Citizen-Cincom (IMTS booth 339419) provides the option for integrated part catchers that can eject parts into a tray or conveyor automatically. When shopping for equipment, these built-in systems are worth considering because they are designed to work with the specific machine tools provided by the OEM, avoiding potential hiccups during installation and operation. Here we see attendees exploring IMTS. The trade show gives machine shop owners the opportunity to speak with experts from the companies to develop the automation solutions that fit their business best. 3. Flexible Manufacturing Systems A flexible manufacturing system (FMS) is usually a larger-scale automation solution that links multiple CNC machines with a shared part storage and handling system. While this might sound like something only big factories use, scaled-down FMS solutions exist, with two-to-five machines connected by a 30-pallet storage device and one robot or rail shuttle to move pallets from storage to machine and back. For a mid-sized contract manufacturer, an FMS like those provided by Fastems (IMTS booth 338966) or Keyence (IMTS booth 236225) can dramatically boost throughput by enabling them to line up a mix of jobs and let the system automatically route pallets to whichever machine is free. It maximizes machine utilization and can often run lights-out for weekend stretches. Though it’s a significant investment, it is an investment in building capacity without needing additional machine tools. The control is the brain of the CNC machine, and modern ones are capable of some advanced processing. With inputs from sensors, probes, or integrated measurement systems, adaptive controls can adjust machining parameters to maintain the appropriate feed rate during unattended machining operations. 4. Integrated Metrology and Adaptive Control Many metrology companies like Mitutoyo (IMTS booth 134117) or Blum-Novotest (IMTS booth 134710) produce on-machine measuring systems such as profile probes or laser measuring devices. These can be installed as tools in the automated tool changer or directly installed in the work envelope of the machine tool, measuring a part or cutting tool as part of a machining program, enabling the machine to adjust parameters accordingly, making them vital for lights-out production. Gleason (IMTS booth 236909), which specializes in gear-making technology, even produces the GSRL laser inspection system for measuring gears in-process. Similarly, adaptive control systems like those in Siemens (IMTS booth 133249) controls can automatically adjust feed rates and spindle speeds to maintain constant spindle load, preventing tool overload and safely maximizing chip removal rates. These features act like an experienced operator built into the machine, continuously optimizing cutting conditions. For tough machining jobs or unattended operations, they can mean the difference between producing perfect parts or crashing the spindle. Hybrid machines like the Mazak VC-500A/5X AM combine the features of metal additive manufacturing with a five-axis machine tool to produce complex parts in a single setup with an excellent finish. Complex geometries and repairs are added to the workpiece through an AM process such as directed energy deposition, while the final profile is machined into tolerance using a milling spindle.5. Hybrid Additive Manufacturing A notable trend is machines that combine additive manufacturing with CNC machining. For example, a hybrid machine can deposit metal via laser cladding or directed energy deposition and then mill it to final tolerance. At IMTS, companies including Formalloy (IMTS booth 338474), Mazak (IMTS booth 338300), Haas (IMTS booth 338100), Hurco (IMTS booth 338319), Okuma (IMTS booth 338500) and Mantle (IMTS booth 338364) have all showcased hybrid manufacturing solutions for attendees. While not yet commonplace, hybrid machines enable manufacturers to tackle difficult projects in a single setup, making the production parts with complex geometries more attainable and making repair tasks possible that would otherwise be impractical. They run mostly unattended and can extend a shop’s capabilities into new areas like producing custom tooling or repairing expensive parts overnight. Many OEMs design machining centers to quickly integrate with third-party automation systems like those provided by Robojob (booth 338982). These machine tools are designed to make attaching these third-party solutions simple, with minimal changes needed to the machine. 6. High-Speed & Lights-Out Optimized Machines Some machining centers are explicitly marketed as “lights-out capable.” They feature extra-large tool magazines, reliable spindles, thermal consistency, and software for scheduling maintenance tasks. For instance, a machine might automatically lubricate or perform a spindle warm-up routine after a long idle period, without human help. Makino (IMTS booth 338519), for example, provides highly rigid machine tools with cooling systems throughout the machines to prevent thermal growth that would create inconsistencies in part output. Or consider EDM machines: Companies like Mitsubishi EDM / MC Machinery (IMTS booth 338129) design machines with automatic wire threading and monitoring to maintain consistent sparking, as well as fire suppression systems when using dielectric oils. A shop running an EDM with such systems can let it run overnight, cutting intricate shapes knowing the system will actively prevent problems from occurring. When evaluating new equipment, understanding how its features enable further automation is worthwhile, as that directly translates to more spindle hours. IMTS 2026 is the place to meet with a variety of experts to discuss automation solutions that fit your needs. 7. Plug-and-Play Automation Lastly, machine tool builders and third-party automation suppliers are collaborating to make integration easier. Standard interfaces like robot-loading doors, software APIs and quick-connect robot mounts on machines make it simpler to add a robot or pallet system to a machine with minimal custom engineering. Furthermore, the IMTS show floor is dotted with companies that specialize in integrating automation solutions with machine tools, including Erowa Technology (IMTS booth 339072), Hurco (IMTS booth 338319), MIDACO (IMTS booth 339347), Shop Floor Automations (IMTS booth 133240), C.R. Onsrud (IMTS booth 338109), Methods Machine Tools (IMTS booth 339033) and Acme Manufacturing (IMTS booth 237030). The days when only big companies could automate are long gone. Every automation solution starts with the machine making parts. IMTS 2026 is filled with experts who understand how to help you develop the solution that fits your business. Start now: Use the IMTS Search function to explore dozens of technologies by keyword and the IMTS Show Planner to make your itinerary. Register today for IMTS 2026, Sept. 14-19, 2026, in Chicago, at IMTS.com/Register!
Check out these 7 machine tool automation technologies you can find at IMTS, including flexible manufacturing systems, lights-out machining centers, and more.
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