New TwinCAT Cloud Engineering Software for IoT and Industry 4.0 Applications
Press Release Summary:
- Instances generated by users can be connected to physical control hardware over a secure transport channel
- Enables registered users to work with TwinCAT development environment even from previously unsupported devices such as tablets
- Allows machines, plants and production lines to be connected in ways that unlock their full efficiency potential across entire processes
Original Press Release:
Beckhoff Introduces Smart Engineering Directly in The Cloud
TwinCAT Cloud Engineering provides a foundation for highly efficient IoT-based automation strategies
Savage, Minnesota, December 12, 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.
Beckhoff Automation is a provider of advanced and open automation solutions based upon proven technologies for customers to implement high performance control systems faster and at a lower overall cost than traditional PLC and motion control systems. Beckhoff’s “New Automation Technology” product range includes PC-based control, Industrial PCs, automation controllers, operator interfaces, I/O, servo drives and motors. With representation in more than 60 countries, Beckhoff is well-positioned to provide global sales and service to its customers. Beckhoff sales and service are handled directly, with no intermediaries involved for exceptional customer service and consultation.
Send questions regarding “TwinCAT Cloud Engineering” to:
Beckhoff Automation LLC
13130 Dakota Ave
Savage, MN 55378
Toll-free: 1-877-TwinCAT
Local: 952-890-0000
Fax: 952-890-2888
Email: beckhoff.usa@beckhoff.com
www.beckhoffautomation.com
Twitter: @BeckhoffUSA
Media Contact:
Shane Novacek
Beckhoff Automation
Phone: 952-808-6515
s.novacek@beckhoff.com
Twitter: @BeckhoffUSA
