Question 1

How does PLC Assist connect to my IDE?

Accepted Answer

PLC Assist uses a lightweight local bridge to connect directly to your IDE. For CODESYS, it's a Python script that runs inside CODESYS. For Beckhoff TwinCAT, it's a standalone app. For Siemens TIA Portal (coming soon), it uses the Openness API.

Question 2

Which AI model does PLC Assist use?

Accepted Answer

PLC Assist is powered by Anthropic's Claude — the same model family behind Claude Code. We pick the right model for each task: Claude Sonnet handles code generation and multi-step reasoning, Claude Haiku runs faster jobs like file description and chat summarization. The agent is tuned for IEC 61131-3 Structured Text and the quirks of CODESYS, TwinCAT, and TIA Portal.

Question 3

How is this different from Claude Code, Cursor, or GitHub Copilot?

Accepted Answer

Same idea — an AI coding agent that understands your project — applied to a domain those tools can't reach. Claude Code, Cursor, and Copilot are built for software IDEs (VS Code, JetBrains). PLC Assist runs as a local bridge inside CODESYS and TwinCAT so it has live access to your function blocks, global variables, data types, and compiler output. It also handles industrial-specific things like real-time execution constraints and vendor libraries.

Question 4

What IEC 61131-3 languages are supported?

Accepted Answer

We fully support Structured Text (ST) — the most common IEC 61131-3 language for complex logic, and the one that integrates best with AI code generation. Graphical languages (FBD/LD/SFC/CFC) are detected when present in your project but aren't edited by the AI today.

Question 5

Is my code sent to the cloud?

Accepted Answer

Your project file stays in the IDE on your own machine. For each AI request, the bridge sends only the relevant snippets (typically the function block being edited and any direct references) to Anthropic's API to generate a response. PLC Assist's own servers don't store your code — chat history is kept only so you can review it later.

Question 6

Which PLC platforms are supported?

Accepted Answer

All CODESYS-based PLCs are fully supported today (CODESYS V3 SP18 and later tested; earlier versions likely work but are untested), including Schneider Electric, WAGO, Festo, Lenze, Bosch Rexroth, and more. Beckhoff TwinCAT 3.1+ is also fully supported. Siemens TIA Portal (V19+) is coming soon. Same AI, same workflow, different bridge.

Question 7

What's included in the free trial?

Accepted Answer

A generous batch of free AI requests — enough to test the full workflow on a real project. No credit card required.

Question 8

Can I cancel anytime?

Accepted Answer

Yes, cancel anytime with no questions asked. Your subscription ends at the current billing period.

Frequently asked questions.

Questions & Answers