CloudNC has officially launched CAM Assist for GibbsCAM, bringing AI-generated machining strategies and toolpaths directly into the established CAM environment used by machine shops around the world.
The new AI-enabled add-on supports 3-axis and 3+2-axis CNC machining, helping GibbsCAM programmers reduce the repetitive work involved in creating machining strategies for complex components.
Rather than requiring manufacturers to move into a separate software environment, CAM Assist for GibbsCAM operates inside the programmer’s existing workflow. CloudNC says this allows users to accelerate part programming while retaining control over the final machining strategy.
AI Programming Inside GibbsCAM
CAM Assist uses AI and advanced computer science techniques to analyse a component and generate appropriate machining strategies and toolpaths.
According to CloudNC, strategies that could take an experienced CNC programmer hours or even days to produce manually can be generated in minutes or seconds, depending on the complexity of the part.
This addresses one of the biggest bottlenecks facing machine shops: the time and specialist knowledge required to move from a component model to a machine-ready CNC program.
Theo Saville, chief executive and co-founder at CloudNC, said:
“GibbsCAM is a powerful fit for machine shops that want a smart, flexible CAM solution that can scale from day-to-day production work to produce complex components. Bringing CAM Assist to GibbsCAM helps those users go even faster, meaning programmers can spend less time on repetitive toolpath creation, stay firmly in control of the process, and focus more of their expertise on getting high-quality parts out of the door.”
The release also strengthens the AI automation capabilities available within GibbsCAM 2026, which can generate complete 3-axis and 3+2-axis toolpaths using CloudNC’s cloud-based technology.
CAM Assist 2.0 Gives Programmers Greater Control
GibbsCAM users will also gain access to CAM Assist 2.0 and its Strategy Editor.
The latest version combines automated strategy generation with a more structured review process. Programmers can configure machines, materials and tool assemblies, assess components before machining, review AI recommendations and adjust strategies before toolpaths are returned to GibbsCAM.
Thorsten Strauss, President of GibbsCAM, said:
“At GibbsCAM, our focus has always been to provide manufacturers with powerful, practical solutions that help them produce parts more efficiently. By integrating CAM Assist, we are bringing cutting-edge AI technology directly into the workflows our customers already know and trust. This collaboration with CloudNC enables programmers to automate repetitive programming tasks, accelerate part programming, and focus their expertise where it delivers the greatest value, all while maintaining full control of the machining process.”
The Strategy Editor is particularly important because it gives programmers visibility into how the AI has approached the component. Users can inspect, adjust and approve the proposed machining strategy rather than immediately accepting an automatically generated result.
MachineToolNews.ai previously examined how CAM Assist 2.0 gives CNC programmers greater clarity and control over AI-generated CAM decisions.
MTN Analysis
The GibbsCAM integration represents another significant expansion of CloudNC’s AI CAM ecosystem.
Its commercial importance comes from placing AI inside software that programmers already use. Machine shops can introduce AI-assisted programming without completely redesigning their existing model-to-machine workflow.
That approach could make adoption easier for manufacturers facing shortages of experienced CNC programmers, increasing quoting pressure and growing demands for shorter lead times.
The programmer remains responsible for reviewing and approving the strategy, while the AI handles a larger share of the repetitive analysis and initial toolpath creation.
This is also another example of the emerging manufacturing copilot model, where AI assists skilled employees directly inside established engineering and production software.
CAM Assist is available for GibbsCAM through CloudNC and GibbsCAM’s global reseller network. CloudNC’s official product information currently lists compatibility with GibbsCAM 2025 and 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CAM Assist for GibbsCAM?
CAM Assist for GibbsCAM is an AI-enabled add-on that generates machining strategies and toolpaths inside the GibbsCAM programming environment.
Which CNC machining processes does CAM Assist support?
The current GibbsCAM integration supports 3-axis and 3+2-axis CNC milling.
Does CAM Assist replace the CNC programmer?
No. CAM Assist generates and recommends machining strategies, while the programmer can review, modify and approve the strategy before the toolpaths are returned to GibbsCAM.
What does the CAM Assist 2.0 Strategy Editor do?
The Strategy Editor allows programmers to inspect AI recommendations, configure manufacturing resources, adjust machining decisions and approve the final strategy before toolpath generation is completed.
Further Reading
CloudNC: CAM Assist for GibbsCAM
GibbsCAM: CloudNC CAM Assist and GibbsCAM 2026
MachineToolNews.ai: CAM Assist 2.0 Interview
MachineToolNews.ai: Is 2026 the Rise of the Manufacturing Copilot?
