FABTECH – Hirebotics today introduced the new Shapes Library, a shape generation and editing tool that accelerates and simplifies how operators teach cutting paths to cobot plasma cutters. Built into Hirebotics’ no-code, cloud-based Beacon platform, the Shapes Library enables manufacturers to reduce training time for Hirebotics’ Cobot Cutter and expand the types of applications where cobots can cost-effectively automate plasma cutting.

Geometric shapes such as circles and rectangles are commonly part of the cut path for automated plasma cutters. However, many cutting workflows begin with CAD or fixed shape-generation tools. These tools require application expertise to use and produce a cut path that is relatively fixed once generated. In addition, a different file may need to be created for each cut. The alternative has been to manually teach the cobot every point along the desired cut path.

With the Shapes Library, operators can create a rectangle by teaching three of its four corners, and a circle by teaching either three points on the circumference or the center plus the radius. Beacon then generates the complete cut path and applies the desired cutting parameters at run time. Cut settings can use Hypertherm-based assisted settings or be configured manually.

“With the Shapes Library, operators can create these shapes directly on the shop floor, within the same Beacon workflow they already use to teach and run the Cobot Cutter,” said Zach Boyd, CTO, Hirebotics. “Rather than creating cut path geometry in the office and transferring it to the cutting system, operators can define it directly on the physical workpiece to be cut.”

Flexible Cut Paths on Any Surface

Working with the Shapes Library provides manufacturers and fabricators automating or evaluating automation of plasma cutting many key benefits, including:

  • Ease of Use: Operators don’t need to be experts in CAD tools to create cut paths. The operator chooses whether the cut is inside or outside the geometry, and Beacon generates the appropriate lead-in and lead-out for each shape, as well as accounts for kerf compensation and cutting direction to preserve the finished edge.

  • Complete Freedom: Shapes can be taught on angled, curved, and other 3D surfaces, eliminating any need for complex calculations by the operator. Torch height control is available to automatically maintain the appropriate distance from the workpiece as the surface changes.

  • Faster Cut Path Creation: Operators can create a complete cut path in a single session without needing to leave their workstation to create or modify CAD files.

  • Greater Flexibility: CAD files are generally fixed shapes that are difficult to adjust on the shop floor while teaching a cobot. With Shapes Library, the shape remains fully editable in Beacon, and operators can easily adjust parameters such as dimensions, corner radius, kerf compensation, lead-in and lead-out distances, cut settings, and number of cut points.

  • Continuous Refinement: Operators have full control over the cutting path and can continue to modify both the geometry and process settings later as needed without having to start completely over, such as when settings or a fixture changes.

“Programming time is often a key consideration in determining whether a plasma cutting job makes sense to automate,” Boyd said. “The simplicity of teaching Cobot Cutter with the Shapes Library reduces the work required to get from ‘this is what I want’ to ‘the cobot knows how to cut it.’ This expands the range of work that can be efficiently automated.”

The new Shapes Library for the Cobot Cutter, initially supporting circles and rectangles, is available now in English, French and Spanish through the Beacon platform. Learn more about how the Shapes Library in Beacon simplifies training of the Hirebotics’ Cobot Cutter to automate plasma cutting tasks by visiting S44049 at FABTECH 2026 in Las Vegas, October 21 through October 23.

Access screenshots of the Shapes Library here.

About Hirebotics

Founded in Nashville in 2015, Hirebotics develops collaborative robot solutions designed to make manufacturing automation accessible to the people who actually run the work. Its portfolio includes cobot welding, plasma cutting and painting systems powered by the Beacon platform. Hirebotics’ systems combine robotics, process equipment and software into turnkey solutions that fabricators can deploy and operate without dedicated robotics programmers or engineering teams.

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