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AI tools for PLC programming in 2026, compared

Every major automation vendor now has an AI assistant or agent for PLC code. What each one does, what it costs to find out, and how to use them without risking the plant.

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Updated: 24 October 2026 · SIM Solutions

Short answer

In 2026 the main AI tools for PLC programming are: Siemens Eigen Engineering Agent (generally available since 20 April 2026, for TIA Portal V19 to V21) and Engineering Copilot TIA; Rockwell FactoryTalk Design Studio Copilot (since November 2024), with FactoryTalk Conductor announced for Q1 2027; Beckhoff TwinCAT CoAgent; the CODESYS Development System MCP Server (since April 2026); Schneider Electric's Industrial Copilot; Copia Copilot; and general models such as Claude or ChatGPT connected to engineering tools through the Model Context Protocol (MCP). All of them draft code; none removes the need for an engineer to review, compile and test it in simulation.

The tools at a glance

ToolVendor and platformWhat it doesStatus (as of Oct 2026)
Eigen Engineering AgentSiemens, TIA Portal V19 to V21Plans, executes and checks engineering tasks: SCL and LAD code, test logic, compile-error fixes, style-guide checks, WinCC Unified JavaScript, drives and hardware setup. Since June 2026 also ECAD import and full projects from a machine descriptionGenerally available since 20 Apr 2026; subscription via Siemens Digital Exchange with a one-month trial
Engineering Copilot TIASiemens, TIA PortalAssistant that writes SCL from text, test cases and documentation; WinCC Unified screens; answers from the documentationAnnounced 22 Apr 2024; Essential edition on Siemens Xcelerator since July 2024; Standard edition in preview
FactoryTalk Design Studio CopilotRockwell Automation, FactoryTalk Design StudioWrites code from plain language, explains code from a rung to a project, troubleshoots; engineers review before changes applySince 19 Nov 2024; FactoryTalk Conductor (AI orchestration across Studio 5000 Logix Designer and Logix Echo) announced 21 Oct 2026, for sale in Q1 2027
TwinCAT CoAgent (TE1700)Beckhoff, TwinCAT 3Multiple agents for PLC code, I/O configuration and HMI layouts; built on MCP; engineer approves results; cloud or local modelsAnnounced; Beckhoff lists market release on request
CODESYS Development System MCP ServerCODESYS V3.5 SP22 and laterLets an AI model (Claude, GPT or a local model) read a project, write Structured Text, compile and fix errorsv1.0 released 28 Apr 2026, v1.1 on 22 Jul 2026
Industrial CopilotSchneider Electric, EcoStruxure Automation ExpertGenerates, explains and tests PLC codeAnnounced at Hannover Messe 2025
Copia CopilotCopia Automation, Studio 5000 and TIA PortalExplains and documents code, converts between ladder and Structured TextLaunched as beta in Nov 2024; paid add-on
General models via MCPClaude, ChatGPT and others with TIA Portal Openness or other APIsDepends on the connector: reading projects, generating and compiling code, testing in simulationIndependent open-source TIA Portal MCP servers exist on GitHub; Siemens has made no statement on them. We use our own AI toolkit.

Mitsubishi and Omron have shown AI code generation for their engineering tools, but we found no generally available product yet. B&R presented an Automation Studio copilot.

How to choose

  • Stay with your platform's tool if your plant is single-vendor and the tool covers your language (SCL, LAD, ST). Vendor tools know their own libraries best.
  • Use a general model with connectors when you work across platforms (for example WinCC to Ignition, or STEP 7 to TIA Portal), or need to read and document many old projects.
  • Check where your code goes. CODESYS warns that cloud models receive the project data. Agree what may leave the site, or use local models where offered.
  • Ask about pricing early. Most vendors do not publish prices; trials exist for Eigen (one month) and FactoryTalk Design Studio (90 days).

Rules that apply to every tool

  1. Offline only. AI works on a copy of the project, never directly on a running controller.
  2. Your standard. Give it your block library and naming rules; reject code that does not follow them.
  3. Compile and simulate. Test in S7-PLCSIM Advanced, Logix Echo or the CODESYS simulator against test cases.
  4. Engineer review. Review the diff like code from a colleague, with version control.
  5. No safety code. The joint guidance of 3 December 2025 by CISA, NSA and partners says AI such as LLMs "almost certainly should not be used to make safety decisions" in OT. ISO/IEC TR 5469:2024 covers AI in safety-related functions. Keep F-blocks and safety logic with qualified engineers.

More on what AI does well and badly in TIA Portal: Can AI write PLC code?

Questions we get

What is the best AI tool for Siemens PLC programming?

For TIA Portal, Siemens' own Eigen Engineering Agent (TIA Portal V19 to V21) is the most complete vendor tool in 2026. General models connected through TIA Portal Openness fit when you work across platforms or migrate old projects. Either way an engineer reviews and tests the code.

Can ChatGPT or Claude write PLC code?

Yes, as a draft, especially Structured Text or SCL. Connected to the engineering tool through MCP they can also compile and test it. Without a connection they cannot see your project and their code needs more checking.

Is AI-generated PLC code safe?

Only after review and testing. Treat it as a first draft. Do not use AI for safety functions.

Which AI tools support ladder logic?

Eigen covers LAD, Copia converts between ladder and Structured Text, and Rockwell's Copilot works in its own environment. Many general models are stronger in text languages such as SCL and ST.

Sources

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