Industrial Automation Magazine India

Chatbot Technology in TwinCAT engineering

Published on : Tuesday 04-07-2023

TwinCAT Chat: Using innovative Chatbot Technology in TwinCAT engineering.

Beckhoff has developed the TwinCAT Chat Client for the TwinCAT XAE engineering environment. This makes it possible to use Large Language Models (LLMs), such as ChatGPT from OpenAI, conveniently in the development of a TwinCAT project for increased productivity in control programming. It also opens up optimisation potential for direct support; and more productive control programming with AI-assisted engineering.
 
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 optimization, documentation, and restructuring (refacturing). Implemented in TwinCAT XAE, this client connects to the host cloud of the respective LLM (e.g., 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 optimized especially for TwinCAT 3 users – i.e., extensively supplemented with TwinCAT-specific content.
 
The TwinCAT Chat Client opens up a whole new world of chatbot possibilities for control engineering.
 
Beckhoff implements open automation systems using proven PC-based control technology. The main areas that the product range covers are industrial PCs, I/O and fieldbus components, drive technology, automation software, control cabinet-free automation, and hardware for machine vision. Product ranges that can be used as separate components or integrated into a complete and mutually compatible control system are available for all sectors.
 
Our New Automation Technology stands for universal and industry-independent control and automation solutions that are used worldwide in a large variety of different applications, ranging from CNC-controlled machine tools to intelligent building control.
 
Beckhoff Automation Pvt Ltd, Pune. Tel: 020-67064802. Email: [email protected]