July 13, 2026
A Place Where Manufacturing Comes Together
The CONNECT Hub – Central in Schaumburg, IL, was created to bring together manufacturing technologies, industry partners, educators, and end users in a single environment where complete manufacturing workflows can be demonstrated and evaluated.
Rather than serving as a traditional showroom focused on individual products, the CONNECT Hub showcases how technologies, processes, and people work together to solve real manufacturing challenges.
Beyond the Traditional Demo Space
At its core, the CONNECT Hub was designed to bring industry closer together, providing access to a broad range of manufacturing technologies under one roof in the Midwest.
Visitors don’t just see equipment. They see how it works together. From foundational 3-axis milling and turning to advanced 5-axis machining and integrated automation, the Hub gives manufacturers and technical schools access to a full spectrum of manufacturing solutions.
As Gisbert Ledvon, Vice President – Machine Tool, End-User, and Digital Manufacturing at HEIDENHAIN, explains, “the intent was never to focus on a single piece of equipment, but rather to create a space to connect industry technology leaders, associations, and end users.”
For manufacturers, the value is practical. Visitors can explore complete manufacturing workflows, evaluate automation strategies, and see how different technologies can be integrated into existing operations to improve productivity, increase flexibility, and remain competitive.
Integrated Automation in Action
One of the latest additions to the CONNECT Hub is a newly installed automation cell that integrates a HEIDENHAIN TNC7 with a robot from KUKA.
Rather than operating as a separate system with its own programming requirements, the robot functions as an extension of the machine tool.
That significantly changes how automation can be implemented on the shop floor. A KUKA applications engineer involved in the integration explains:
“Robotic motion is managed within the familiar HEIDENHAIN control environment—eliminating the need for a separate robot programming language.”
For many shops, automation can introduce complexity through new interfaces, programming languages, and specialized skill requirements. This integration removes much of that complexity by allowing CNC programmers to work within the same control environment they already know.
Simplifying Automation on the Shop Floor
In traditional automation setups, process changes often require updates to both the CNC program and the robot program, increasing engineering effort and setup time.
With this integrated approach, adjustments made at the CNC control level automatically carry through to the robot. CNC programmers can leverage existing skills without learning a robot-specific programming language.
The result is a system that is easier to implement, easier to maintain, and more adaptable to changing production requirements. Setup times can be reduced, operator training is simplified, and automation becomes practical even for high-mix, low-volume production environments.
Manufacturers continue to face skilled labor shortages, increasing production demands, and growing global competition. Many shops are looking for ways to increase machine utilization, reduce setup time, and automate smaller production runs without adding complexity. This type of integration is designed to address those challenges.
From Raw Material to Finished Part
The process begins with a 3-axis Bridgeport machine equipped with a MILLPWR G2 from ACU-RITE SOLUTIONS, where raw aluminum stock is prepared to rough dimensions.
From there, the parts enter the automation cell. A camera-equipped robot identifies and grips the blanks, places them into a LANG vise, and supports a machining process simulated and executed using the TNC7’s digital twin environment. Once complete, the finished component is transferred to an output tray for inspection and shipment.
Ledvon explains the value of this approach:
“We’re maximizing the resources of an entire shop and showing a step-by-step process that can be optimized based on the equipment available.”
The demonstration helps manufacturers understand how automation can be integrated into their own operations without requiring an entirely new production environment.
What makes the CONNECT Hub unique is its ability to demonstrate a complete manufacturing workflow rather than a single piece of technology.
Making Automation More Accessible
For many manufacturers, automation remains a significant opportunity, but concerns about complexity, implementation costs, and workforce readiness can slow adoption.
Seeing an integrated system operating within a real manufacturing workflow helps remove many of those concerns. When CNC programmers can work within a familiar control environment and understand how robotics fit into existing processes, automation becomes easier to evaluate and implement.
A Strategic Role in Modern Manufacturing
The CONNECT Hub reflects HEIDENHAIN’s broader role in helping manufacturers integrate technologies into more connected and productive operations.
The integration of robotics into the CNC control environment demonstrates how advanced automation can be made accessible to a wider range of manufacturers. It also reinforces a fundamental principle in automation: reliable processes start with reliable motion control.
Producing the first part correctly is the foundation of any successful automated workflow. Without consistency and process reliability, automation cannot deliver its full value.
Looking Ahead
The CONNECT Hub continues to expand as HEIDENHAIN develops new partnerships and introduces additional technologies.
The long-term vision remains clear: strengthen the manufacturing ecosystem by connecting the right technologies, partners, and people.
As manufacturing continues to evolve, success will increasingly depend on how effectively technologies, processes, and people work together. The CONNECT Hub was created to help manufacturers understand what that future looks like.
