May 29, 2025
Beckhoff Makes AI Programming Easier for Engineers (2025)
New tools aim to simplify automation programming and bring AI to factory floors
Beckhoff, a leading automation technology company, has released several new tools designed to make programming easier and bring artificial intelligence (AI) into everyday automation work.
TwinCAT CoAgent: Your AI Programming Assistant
Think of CoAgent as having an experienced programmer sitting next to you. Instead of writing complex code from scratch, engineers can now describe what they want in plain English, and the AI assistant suggests the actual programming code.
What this means for you:
- Faster PLC programming – describe your requirements in normal language
- Automatic I/O configuration suggestions
- HMI (operator screen) design assistance
- Less time spent on routine programming tasks
This is particularly helpful for engineers who know what they want their system to do but might struggle with the specific programming syntax.
TwinCAT Machine Learning Creator: AI Without the PhD
Traditionally, implementing AI in manufacturing required data science expertise. Beckhoff’s new Machine Learning Creator changes this by providing a simple web interface where automation professionals can:
- Upload their process data
- Train AI models using guided steps
- Test and analyse results
- Deploy models directly to their control systems
Real-world applications:
- Predictive maintenance – spotting equipment problems before they happen
- Quality control – detecting defects automatically
- Process optimisation – fine-tuning operations for better efficiency
The best part? The AI runs directly on Beckhoff controllers, so there’s no need for separate computer systems.
TwinCAT PLC++: Better Programming Practices
PLC++ addresses a common frustration in automation: managing and tracking changes to control system programs. The new system stores programs as readable text files, making it easier to:
- Track what changes were made and when
- Work as a team on programming projects
- Test programs automatically
- Integrate with modern software development tools like Git
This brings automation programming closer to standard IT practices, improving reliability and making it easier to manage complex projects.
What This Means for the Industry
These developments represent a significant shift towards making advanced automation tools accessible to more engineers. By simplifying AI implementation and improving programming workflows, Beckhoff is addressing real challenges that automation professionals face daily.
The tools were showcased at Hannover Messe 2025, where they drew attention from industry leaders, including a visit from German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, highlighting the growing importance of AI in manufacturing.
Looking Forward
These releases suggest that AI assistance in automation programming will become standard rather than exceptional. For engineers and companies considering system upgrades or new automation projects, these tools could significantly reduce development time and complexity.
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