Unitronics has embedded an AI-assisted workflow for PLC programming into UniLogic, its programming environment for PLC control, motion, and HMI design. The feature helps engineers move from machine requirements to UniLogic-compatible IEC 61131-3 Structured Text code using an AI model of their choice, without writing a complex prompt from scratch.
Instead of beginning with an empty programming screen, the engineer describes—in natural language—what the machine needs to do. UniLogic organizes the requirements, adds relevant information from the active project and applies UniLogic-specific programming rules. It then automatically creates a structured engineering request for use with the engineer’s preferred AI platform.
“AI should not be another black box sitting next to the engineering software,” said Amit Harari, CEO of Unitronics. “It needs the context of the target platform—its architecture, rules, and project structure. We built a direct path from high-level machine requirements to structured, syntax-compliant code that is ready for the engineer to review and validate.”
From machine requirements to PLC logic
The guided steps ask for the machine’s operating sequence, control methods, and relevant safety considerations. Engineers can select I/O, tags, and data structures from their active project to include in the request.
General-purpose AI tools can generate Structured Text, but they do not automatically know which data types, functions, structures, and programming conventions are supported by a specific automation platform. The UniLogic AI Wizard adds this engineering context before the request reaches the AI model.
AI Support Across PLC Development
The new UniLogic AI Wizard supports several common PLC development workflows:
- Generate a complete Structured Text application
- Generate an individual ST function
- Modify existing logic
- Review code and identify potential issues
- Generate comments and engineering documentation
- Convert third-party code into UniLogic-compatible Structured Text
Depending on the task, the generated output may include variables, enums, structs, functions, state machines, and comments.
The guided workflow gives less-experienced engineers a clear starting point and helps experienced engineers spend less time on routine coding and more on machine behavior, architecture, and safety.
The engineer remains in control
The UniLogic AI Wizard is an engineering assistant. It does not replace engineering judgment, testing, commissioning, or machine-safety procedures.
Generated logic must be reviewed, tested, and validated before deployment. UniLogic supports this process by identifying assumptions, placeholders, and items requiring attention after the code is imported.
This is not autonomous machine programming. It is a faster, more structured way for qualified engineers to develop, review, document, and improve control logic.
