IT in Manufacturing


Using innovative chatbot technology in TwinCAT engineering

June 2023 IT in Manufacturing

Beckhoff has developed the TwinCAT Chat Client for the TwinCAT XAE engineering environment. This makes it possible to conveniently use Large Language Models (LLMs), such as ChatGPT from OpenAI, in the development of a TwinCAT project, for increased productivity in control programming. It also opens up optimisation potential for direct support.

Large Language Models are created based on a neural network and trained with a large number of texts. LLMs have become widely used in recent years and are used for a whole host of tasks, including as the basis for chatbots or language translation tools.

The TwinCAT Chat Client enables AI-supported engineering to automate tasks such as the creation or addition of function block code, and even code optimisation, documentation and restructuring (refacturing). Implemented in TwinCAT XAE, this client connects to the host cloud of the respective LLM (for example, Microsoft AzureTM in the case of ChatGPT), provides a user interface, and provides communication to the PLC development environment via the automation interface. This is available via a corresponding chat window in Visual Studio, whereby the LLM functionality has been optimised especially for TwinCAT 3 users, and extensively supplemented with TwinCAT-specific content.


Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

XPlanar aids innovation in laser processing
Beckhoff Automation Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Aalborg University is among the first in the world to test Beckhoff’s XPlanar intelligent transport system in advanced laser processes, opening the door to faster, tool-free production of metal parts.

Read more...
AI infrastructure solutions for data campus
Schneider Electric South Africa IT in Manufacturing
Schneider Electric and Motivair deliver more than $290 million in power and cooling infrastructure for TeraWulf’s AI-ready Lake Mariner data campus.

Read more...
Africa’s data centre evolution: AI, edge computing and new energy demands
IT in Manufacturing
With less than half a gigawatt of active white space capacity serving over a billion people, Africa’s data centre sector faces a stark gap that AI’s surging power and cooling demands are set to widen. Vertiv and Open Africa Data Centres unpack how modularity, edge computing and smarter energy strategies could change the equation.

Read more...
How data and AI are unlocking South Africa’s next mineral frontier
IT in Manufacturing
Data, AI and blockchain are reshaping how mining companies explore, extract and prove the provenance of resources, opening a new frontier for South Africa’s mining sector.

Read more...
Luna Rossa partners with Siemens for 38th America’s Cup
Siemens South Africa IT in Manufacturing
Siemens details how Luna Rossa is using digital engineering and simulation tools, from CAD to structural optimisation, to design a faster yacht for the 38th America’s Cup.

Read more...
AI is raising South Africa’s cybersecurity stakes
IT in Manufacturing
As AI accelerates both the sophistication and scale of cyber threats, South African organisations face significant gaps in cloud security, data governance and identity management that need to be addressed before AI capabilities are further embedded into business operations.

Read more...
How modern EAM is becoming the driver of productivity, resilience and sustainability in mines
Schneider Electric South Africa IT in Manufacturing
Modern enterprise asset management is turning maintenance from a routine function into a strategic priority, helping mines extend the life of ageing infrastructure while improving productivity and safety.

Read more...
Physical AI solution with potential to transform South African manufacturing
IT in Manufacturing
NTT DATA and Hyster-Yale Materials Handling have deployed physical AI in an industrial assembly environment, embedding intelligence into production workflows to improve quality assurance and cut deployment timelines significantly.

Read more...
AI has an energy problem but Africa has an opportunity
IT in Manufacturing
Africa’s abundant renewable energy resources and largely unbuilt infrastructure put it in a unique position to power the growth of AI data centres sustainably, provided energy solutions are designed to match the scale and flexibility that AI demands.

Read more...
Decoupling software from hardware for future-proofed process automation
Schneider Electric South Africa IT in Manufacturing
Schneider Electric explains why decoupling software from control hardware helps industrial operations modernise without disrupting production or replacing existing infrastructure.

Read more...









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.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved