IT in Manufacturing


Next-generation PLC technology with advanced chatbot functionality

September 2025 IT in Manufacturing

Beckhoff is taking automation technology to the next level with TwinCAT PLC++. Both engineering and runtime are noticeably faster, without compromising on TwinCAT’s signature strengths of seamless integration, compatibility and openness. Leveraging state-of-the-art compiler technology and a new system structure, the advanced chatbot function TwinCAT CoAgent is now fully embedded as an efficient programming assistant.

In TwinCAT PLC++ runtime, the same control code runs up to 1,5 times faster compared to the previous TwinCAT PLC version. A major highlight is the new TwinCAT PLC++ compiler, which further optimises control code execution time, delivering an overall performance boost of up to three times. The new TwinCAT PLC++ architecture also supports even deeper integration of TwinCAT functions. This allows TwinCAT CoAgent, the evolution of TwinCAT Chat, to be efficiently integrated as a programming assistant that supports both textual and graphical code generation.

TwinCAT CoAgent takes control engineering to the next level by seamlessly integrating cutting-edge technology directly into TwinCAT projects. The agent provides effective support for a wide range of tasks, from precise code suggestions and smart code optimisation to automatic creation of comprehensive documentation. The content generated by TwinCAT CoAgent can be easily incorporated into established engineering projects once it has been checked by a user.

TwinCAT CoAgent also provides direct access to Beckhoff’s comprehensive documentation and supports the development of user-friendly HMI controls. This means that user interfaces can be designed and configured faster and more intuitively than ever before. The option is even available to create I/O topologies effortlessly via chat, including renaming terminals and configuring new I/O modules. In the future, it will be possible to adjust parameters individually while an intelligent assistant will provide support with the optimum configuration. This not only speeds up the I/O configuration, but also makes it particularly flexible for specific requirements. TwinCAT CoAgent’s comprehensive functionality positions it as a personal digital assistant with the potential to revolutionise engineering workflows.


Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

How sustainability unlocks real business impact
Rockwell Automation IT in Manufacturing
Sustainability has moved from a compliance obligation to a strategic driver of resilience and value for manufacturers. Rockwell Automation explains how its Triple A framework and connected-data approach help producers cut energy, water and waste while improving productivity.

Read more...
Mining’s AI future will depend on people as well as technology
IT in Manufacturing
South Africa’s mining industry is embracing digitalisation and AI, but AvenirHoldings chief executive officer, Tshidi Mndzebele says the real test is whether the people behind the industry are equipped to move forward with it, and outlines five things mining needs to get right.

Read more...
How BIC overcame operational silos to integrate technology and people
Rockwell Automation IT in Manufacturing
Manufacturing giant BIC deployed Plex MES from Rockwell Automation at its Bizerte plant in Tunisia, replacing fragmented, partly in-house software with a single cloud-based execution system that broke operational silos and improved shop-floor visibility.

Read more...
AI in industry is an early warning system, not a guarantee
Schneider Electric South Africa IT in Manufacturing
Schneider Electric’s Paul Steyn argues that AI in industrial maintenance is only as good as the infrastructure and people behind it, and explains the three layers a facility needs before predictive maintenance can deliver on its promise.

Read more...
SA’s mining industry must put people at the heart of its digital future
IT in Manufacturing
South Africa’s mining industry employs around 470 000 people while its digital transition accelerates. Avenir’s chied executive officer, Tshidi Mndzebele argues that technology should enable and upskill the workforce rather than replace it, setting out five ways mining can make technology work for its people.

Read more...
Quality control supports efficient tissue production
Valmet South Africa IT in Manufacturing
Valmet’s advanced quality control technology is helping tissue producers improve product consistency while reducing energy and raw material consumption. Its latest installation at KORO Paper in Vietnam combines real-time measurement, process optimisation and non-contact, nuclear-free quality control.

Read more...
Patented algorithm maximises operator efficiency
Rockwell Automation IT in Manufacturing
Rockwell Automation piloted a patented anomaly detection algorithm and FactoryTalk DataMosaix at its Twinsburg electronics plant, giving operators 30 to 60 days’ advance warning of stencil failure, improving fail rates by 22% and achieving a 200% return on investment.

Read more...
Cybersecurity must become part of the next era of industrial automation
Adroit Technologies IT in Manufacturing
The EU’s Cyber Resilience Act is setting a global benchmark for connected products, making cybersecurity a core engineering requirement in industrial automation. Adroit Technologies and Mitsubishi Electric explain how building security into controllers, PLCs and drives from the outset helps South African manufacturers protect production and meet international expectations.

Read more...
Economy drive system closes the drive gap in the entry-level segment
Beckhoff Automation Editor's Choice Motion Control & Drives
Beckhoff has launched an economy drive system pairing its new AX1000 servo drive and AM1000 servomotor with the AF1000 dual-axis variable frequency drive on a shared EtherCAT platform, targeting series machines and price-sensitive markets without sacrificing TwinCAT integration or functional safety.

Read more...
The next generation of engineers is building living labs of innovation
Schneider Electric South Africa IT in Manufacturing
Graduate engineers at Schneider Electric East Africa designed, integrated and commissioned the smart building systems in the company’s new Nairobi head office, demonstrating how practical, real-world project experience accelerates engineering capability and confidence.

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