12. The AI Machinist Is Coming. Are You Ready?

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AI is coming for manufacturing, but I’m not interested in another piece of software that promises to replace machinists with the push of a button. I want technology that actually understands what happens on the shop floor and helps good people get more done.

That’s why I was excited to sit down with David Priev from Limitless Labs during IMTS 2026. His team is building an AI-powered CAM programming assistant that works alongside machinists, helping them program parts faster, troubleshoot problems, and cut through the tedious work that slows down production.

We get into how Limitless Labs is teaching AI to understand the physics of machining, why the next generation of manufacturing software needs domain experts, and what happens when you connect programming, machine data, and inspection results. We also tackle the questions every shop owner should be asking about AI, including ITAR compliance, data privacy, and whether your programs are being used to train someone else’s model.

For me, the opportunity isn’t replacing our most experienced people. It’s giving them better tools, bringing new talent up to speed faster, and improving the one thing that ultimately drives profitability: throughput.

What’s Covered in this Episode

• (0:00) Why AI could change the future of software engineering and manufacturing
• (0:52) Dave’s engineering background and introduction to CNC machining
• (5:52) Addressing the CNC programming bottleneck with AI
• (6:25) Work ahead of your machines with the Hennig WorkFlow Automation system
• (7:17) The Limitless Labs founding team and rapid company growth
• (10:41) Why Limitless Labs shifted its focus from quoting to CAM programming
• (13:56) Using AI to accelerate employee training and improve throughput
• (15:16) Kennametal tooling helps manufacturer cut faster and run longer
• (16:04) The vision for an AI machinist that connects programming, inspection, and machine data
• (18:01) Simplifying CMM reports and reducing manufacturing iterations
• (19:52) Jamie’s firsthand experience with the Limitless Labs software
• (21:10) Raising venture capital and educating investors about CNC manufacturing
• (23:18) Why domain expertise is becoming increasingly valuable in the AI era
• (24:17) Building reliable industrial AI software and teaching AI to understand CAD models
• (26:28) Capturing the tribal knowledge of experienced machinists
• (28:32) ITAR, CMMC, data privacy, and protecting proprietary CAM programs
• (31:08) Why improving throughput is essential to competing and winning business

Resources Mentioned

• Mastercam
• Siemens
• ProShop ERP
• Machine Shop Mastery Podcast
• IMTS
• Hennig Workflow Automation System
• Kennametal
• MakingChips

How to Connect with David Priev

• Connect with David Priev on LinkedIn
• Limitless Labs