Large language models offer a number of benefits for both automation engineers and enterprise management. For automation engineers, LLMs have the potential to revolutionise the development process by automatically generating and completing code. This speeds up the entire process. In addition, you can even have LLMs create personal tutorials and specifically ask for solutions to problems that arise. From an enterprise management perspective, LLMs promote knowledge transfer within the organisation. They can act as a central knowledge base, storing valuable information and making it available when needed. In addition, LLMs can relieve the pressure on the support team by serving as the first point of contact for customer inquiries.
TwinCAT Chat was developed to integrate LLMs into control engineering, giving users a clear benefit when compared to using ChatGPT traditionally in a web browser, for example. This greatly simplifies the development process, as communication and code exchange are seamlessly integrated. Furthermore, the basic initialisation of the LLM has been tailored specifically to TwinCAT requests. You can thus ask specific questions directly, and don’t have to tell the LLM that you are using TwinCAT first, and that the code examples are expected in Structured Text. In addition, the generated code can be easily transferred, which not only saves developers time, but also prevents the errors that occur when transferring code manually. For efficient interaction with TwinCAT Chat, simple one-click pre-tested requests can be used that are specifically designed to improve the user’s workflow.
OMRON simplifies safety verification for SA manufacturers Omron Electronics
IT in Manufacturing
OMRON’s NX Safety platform, Online Safety Functional Test Verification is a feature built into the Sysmac Studio engineering environment. This intuitive tool allows safety verification to be carried out digitally, with step-by-step guidance and full traceability, all from a single workstation.
Read more...PC-based control for additive machine tools Beckhoff Automation
Motion Control & Drives
IRPD is a specialist in additive machine tools. Development is heavily focused on high system throughput and consistently high process quality. This goal was achieved with the help of PC- and EtherCAT-based control and drive technology from Beckhoff.
Read more...Robotic positioning system drastically reduces changeover times Beckhoff Automation
Motion Control & Drives
At the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory in Menlo Park, California, an advanced robotic system by Square One Systems Design and Beckhoff speeds up high-energy physics experiments.
Read more...How digital infrastructure design choices will decide who wins in AI Schneider Electric South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
As AI drives continues to disrupt industries across the world, the race is no longer just about smarter models or better data. It’s about building infrastructure powerful enough to support innovation at scale.
Read more...How quantum computing and AI are driving the next wave of cyber defence innovation
IT in Manufacturing
We are standing at the edge of a new cybersecurity frontier, shaped by quantum computing, AI and the ever-expanding IIoT. To stay ahead of increasingly sophisticated threats, organisations must embrace a new paradigm that is proactive, integrated and rooted in zero-trust architectures.
Read more...2026: The Year of AI execution for South African businesses
IT in Manufacturing
As we start 2026, artificial intelligence in South Africa is entering a new era defined not by experimentation, but by execution. Across the region, the conversation is shifting from “how do we build AI?” to “how do we power, govern and scale it responsibly?”
Read more...Today’s advanced safety system is but the beginning Schneider Electric South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
Industrial safety systems have come a long way since the days of hardwired emergency shutdowns. Today, safety systems are not just barriers against risk; they are enablers of safer operations.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version