Beckhoff Automation Celebrates 30th Anniversary of TwinCAT

Beckhoff Automation (Headquarters: Verl, Germany)'s automation software platform 'TwinCAT (The Windows Control and Automation Technology)' marks its 30th anniversary this year since its launch in 1996.

Ten years after the announcement of PC-based control in 1986, Beckhoff introduced TwinCAT to the market in 1996, announcing a transition from the then-dominant DOS (Disk Operating System) to Windows. With IEC 61131-3 compliant PLC programming, an integrated development environment, and the innovative concept of hardware-independent control, the company established a new standard in control technology. For the past 30 years, TwinCAT has continued to evolve its philosophy of 'integrating all automation functions into a single software platform.'

TwinCAT, which has continued to provide integrated automation functions for all industries as a software foundation for PC control, celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. (Photo courtesy of Beckhoff Automation)

**Outstanding Performance and Scalability**

TwinCAT exhibited outstanding performance from its initial release. PLC cycle times were reduced to just 100µs, and main memory could be utilized almost without limit. Motion control functions were also comprehensive from the outset, supporting a wide range from standard axis control to electronic cams, electronic gears, and 5-axis CNC. Since then, the number of controllable axes has increased year by year, now capable of controlling over 1,000 axes. This also contributes to cost reduction per axis. Regarding operating systems, initially specialized for Windows, it now supports TwinCAT/BSD and Linux®. Furthermore, in addition to IEC 61131-3 compliant PLC programming, it also supports IT standards such as C/C++ and MATLAB®/Simulink®.

This software-centric approach freed machine manufacturers from the constraints of traditional dedicated hardware, enabling flexible, integrated control through PC-based control, thereby promoting the realization of the 'all-electric machine' concept, where the entire machine is electrified.

**Integrating Over 100 Specialized Functions into a Single Platform**

Current TwinCAT encompasses more than 100 specialized functions, including not only PLC, motion control, and I/O, but also high-precision measurement technology, communication, HMI, safety functions, image processing, and robotics. All machine functions are computed by a central industrial PC with strict real-time processing and transmitted with precise timing to the I/O level via the high-speed fieldbus 'EtherCAT.' This allows for faster and more precise machine control, enabling more advanced process control, while also contributing to space saving and cost reduction in control cabinets. Furthermore, machine vision with 'TwinCAT Vision' and system-integrated robot controllers are also integrated into the execution environment.

In the rapidly growing field of AI, 'TwinCAT Machine Learning Creator' allows for the generation of AI models that analyze image data, time series data, and process data without specialized AI knowledge, enabling direct monitoring and anomaly detection within the control environment. Additionally, 'TwinCAT CoAgent' is an assistant-type AI tool that supports users throughout the entire lifecycle, from development to machine operation.

**Future Adaptability**

TwinCAT's scalability and its software-defined architecture, centered on IT affinity, maintain its superiority even 30 years after its market introduction. PC-based control provides an ideal foundation for deep IT/OT integration and connection to IT infrastructures like cloud and edge. Its modular framework flexibly responds to new market demands such as physical AI, new communication standards, and strict cybersecurity requirements. With its combination of computing performance, availability, and open platform, TwinCAT will continue to support the innovation capabilities of machine manufacturers for the long term.

For more details on TwinCAT, please refer to:

https://www.beckhoff.com/ja-jp/products/automation/twincat/

**Beckhoff Automation Company Overview**

Beckhoff Automation is a control equipment manufacturer specializing in PC-based control. Through its proprietary measurement and control software 'TwinCAT,' it enables industrial PCs equipped with general-purpose OSs like Windows to be used as real-time controllers (such as NCs and PLCs).