Beckhoff Introduces Smart Engineering Directly in the Cloud

December 16, 2019

Beckhoff Automation has introduced new TwinCAT Cloud Engineering software for IoT and Industrie 4.0 applications. With this feature-filled addition to the TwinCAT 3 platform, users can instantiate and use existing TwinCAT engineering and runtime products directly in the cloud. The solution is easy to access from the Beckhoff website with a web browser and requires no additional software. In addition, TwinCAT Cloud Engineering enables registered users to work with the TwinCAT development environment even from previously unsupported devices, such as tablets.

PC-based control offers a central, open and comprehensive machine control platform ideal for delivering highly efficient, IoT-based automation strategies. It enables machines, plants and production lines to be connected in ways that unlock their full efficiency potential across entire processes. In this context, TwinCAT Cloud Engineering adds a new dimension by providing users with an easy means of engineering TwinCAT instances and controllers in the cloud.

The TwinCAT Cloud Engineering instances generated by users can be connected to physical control hardware over a secure transport channel. Users not only enjoy all the advantages of the TwinCAT control architecture, but also distributed collaboration support through a source control repository. For new users in particular, having access to a TwinCAT Cloud Engineering instance in the cloud provides an ideal and comprehensive foundation to learn how to work in the TwinCAT environment.

In addition, TwinCAT Cloud Engineering enables users to move their entire TwinCAT architecture to the cloud; the only difference versus a conventional TwinCAT environment is that they use a virtual machine instead of a local PC for engineering. One advantage is that users do not need to learn a new software environment but can simply continue to work in the same, familiar development environment. Another is that they do not have to install and maintain multiple software versions tailored to specific machine generations on their own PCs. Instead, users can run separate TwinCAT Cloud Engineering instances with different software versions, all of which they can access remotely whenever they need to. Project files are stored in a source code control repository that can be accessed directly from within TwinCAT Engineering.

Efficient team collaboration with source control

Based on modern source control features, connecting to Git-based systems and managing automation projects on them is easy. TwinCAT Multi-User functionality enables simple, seamless access to a source control repository without the need for special technical expertise. Here, TwinCAT Cloud Engineering enables multiple users to work together on a number of instances at the same time either by integrating a Git server into the instance or using a Git-based cloud service.

For more information, visit www.beckhoffautomation.com.

Related Articles

DCS WEG Motors Provide Reliability in the Operation of a Mining Plant in Chile 1 400x275

WEG Motors Provide Reliability in The Operation of a Mining Plant in Chile

 

To meet the needs of the mining segment, known for its severe environment, which requires equipment capable of withstanding extreme operating conditions, WEG provides solutions that allow the plant to install flexible, safe and reliable, with operational stability and higher levels of production. With a consolidated business strategy as an important player in the segment, WEG continues to reinforce its expertise in the various countries in which it serves, such as Chile, which is among the largest ore producers in the world, where the company also stands out in terms of establish lasting partnerships with large mining companies.

 

| | |

Making Drilling More Efficient for New Carbon Capture, Usage, and Storage Facilities

August 8, 2024 Drillmec’s innovative storage technologies make drilling entry points for new carbon capture, usage, and storage (CCUS) facilities faster, easier, safer, and more cost effective With help from Rockwell Automation, Italian drilling-rig specialist Drillmec is using data-driven and precision automation for maximum efficiency and minimum emissions. Drillmec’s innovative storage technologies make drilling entry points for…

Editor’s Pick: Featured Article

Weidmüller’s u-control 2000: The Automation Controller

Weidmüller’s u-control 2000: The Automation Controller

Weidmüller’s scalable engineering software, u-control 2000, adapts individually to your requirements. And, the u-control is powerful, compact and fully compatible with Weidmüller’s I/O system u-remote. This article looks at what makes u-control the heart of your automation.

Programmable logic controllers (PLCs) are one of the main components of any automated system. A typical control system has inputs, outputs, controllers (i.e., PLCs), and some type of human interaction with the system, a human machine interface (HMI), for example.

Read More

Latest Articles

  • Everything You Need to Know About Grippers from Festo 

    December 17, 2024 By Krystie Johnston, Cory Knight, and Ryan Kroger Selecting the right gripper for an automated handling task can be challenging – but with Festo, it can be easier than ever to overcome these challenges. Grippers are essential components of industrial robots and handling systems because they are the connection between the handling… Read More…

  • FANUC Scholarship Supports Industry, Educators, and Students 

    December 11, 2024 By Krystie Johnston FANUC’s $1 Million Scholarship fund will provide $50K annually to students across the United States and Canada pursuing careers in manufacturing and automation. FANUC has always believed in the power of education and its importance in shaping the future. As leaders in education, their Certified Education program connects industries,… Read More…