Next-gen PLC with built-in chatbot could ‘revolutionise workflows’
31 March 2025 
At the 2025 Hannover Fair, Beckhoff Automation has unveiled a next-generation PLC (programmable logic controller) that, it says, takes automation technology to the next level. Both engineering and runtime are noticeably faster with the with TwinCat PLC++, without compromising on integration, compatibility or openness. The controllers incorporate a new compiler technology and system structure, as well as an advanced chatbot function that Beckhoff describes as “a personal digital assistant with the potential to revolutionise engineering workflows”.
In TwinCat PLC++ runtime, the same control code runs up to 1.5 times faster than on previous TwinCat PLCs. The new TwinCat PLC++ compiler further optimises control code execution times, delivering a claimed performance boost of up to three times. The new architecture also supports deeper integration of TwinCat functions, allowing the new TwinCat CoAgent function – an evolution of the earlier TwinCat Chat chatbot – to be integrated as a programming assistant that supports both text-based and graphical code generation.
The embedded chatbot is said to take control engineering to the next level by integrating cutting-edge technology directly into TwinCat projects. It supports a wide range of tasks, from precise code suggestions and smart code optimisation, to automatic creation of documents. Once it has been checked by the user, content generated by the bot can be incorporated easily into engineering projects.
The TwinCat CoAgent also provides direct access to Beckhoff documentation and supports the development of user-friendly HMI controls. User interfaces can be designed and configured faster and more intuitively than before. It is even possible to create I/O topologies via chat, including the renaming of terminals and configuring of new I/O modules.
In the future, it will be possible for the chatbot to adjust parameters individually, while an intelligent assistant will help to optimise configurations, not only speeding up I/O configurations, but also making it particularly flexible for specific requirements.
