As global industries accelerate toward digitalization, automation technology is undergoing a major transformation. From traditional PLC control logic to intelligent, AI-supported engineering workflows, the future of industrial development increasingly depends on smarter software. Beckhoff Automation recently unveiled TwinCAT PLC++, its next-generation control platform, together with the integrated AI assistant TwinCAT CoAgent, marking a new chapter in PLC innovation.

TwinCAT PLC++ not only upgrades system performance but introduces an AI-driven programming model that changes how engineers develop, optimize, and document control logic.

Performance Breakthrough: Up to 3× Faster Execution

TwinCAT PLC++ achieves significant performance enhancements:

• 1.5× faster Runtime execution
• Up to 3× performance boost with the new compiler

These improvements result from a redesigned compiler pipeline, more efficient architecture, and optimized task coordination. For industries requiring real-time response—such as robotics, CNC, and high-speed packaging—these upgrades offer substantial advantages.

TwinCAT CoAgent: AI Integrated Directly into PLC Engineering

TwinCAT CoAgent is the highlight of this upgrade. It transforms engineering workflows through:

1. AI-Generated Code and Smart Optimization

CoAgent can automatically:

• Produce structured text (ST) code from natural language
• Suggest optimized logic based on engineering context
• Identify inefficient code and propose enhancements
• Generate flowcharts, comments, and technical documentation

Engineers can describe functionality in plain language, and CoAgent instantly generates ready-to-use logic blocks.

2. Automated I/O Topology Creation

Tasks such as I/O mapping, terminal naming, and module configuration can now be completed through conversational commands. The system builds the entire topology automatically, improving reliability and saving hours of manual work.

3. Automated HMI Control Generation

Based on control logic, CoAgent can create user interface components and match variables with UI properties, making HMI design faster and more intuitive.

Open Architecture with Deep Integration

TwinCAT PLC++ remains consistent with Beckhoff’s tradition of openness. It continues to support major industrial protocols and offers a hybrid workflow combining text and graphical programming. The architecture simplifies integration across motion control, machine vision, and communication tasks, making it suitable for complex automation systems.

Beckhoff’s Global Influence in Industrial Automation

Since its founding in 1980, Beckhoff has established itself as a key innovator in automation technology. Its solutions are widely applied in semiconductors, photovoltaics, energy storage, robotics, CNC machinery, manufacturing logistics, and more. The company operates in 75 countries with over 40 subsidiaries worldwide.

In China, Beckhoff has been active since 1997 and maintains offices across more than 30 cities.

A New Direction for PLC Technology

TwinCAT PLC++ reflects the future of industrial automation—where PLC systems evolve from pure logic execution to intelligent, AI-supported decision and configuration engines.

With AI’s continued integration, the PLC of tomorrow will be:

• More autonomous
• Highly adaptive
• Capable of collaborative engineering
• Central to intelligent factory ecosystems

TwinCAT PLC++ is paving the way for this transformation.