The AI-based code assistant Automation Studio Copilot is automatically available to users in Automation Studio Code. B&R has developed this digital assistant in collaboration with Microsoft to utilize the power of generative AI for writing, optimizing and commenting on machine code. Copilot translates prompts and questions written in natural language into structured text code. Turning ideas into code significantly improves development workflows and accelerates the time to market for new machines. 

The assistant helps to structure programs clearly and optimally comment them. This improves the quality of the code and supports collaboration. Copilot can also revise and simplify complex code, making it easier to understand and manage large code bases.

Automation Studio Copilot significantly shortens development time by providing developers with round-the-clock support. Seamless integration into the existing tool chain means that Copilot is available right where it's needed, making the development process more efficient and reliable.

Automation Studio Code can be accessed both via the desktop and a web browser. Comparable to Microsoft 365 or VSCode, Automation Studio Code provides a consistent user experience that allows engineers to edit files locally on the desktop and in the web browser. Collaborating with team members or external partners around the world is as simple as sharing the project link.

Teamwork is further enhanced by integrating repositories, which provides a central overview and control of all projects, as well as uniform access to the entire code inventory. A development environment for a specific repository can be started with just one click, resolving all dependencies and versions automatically so that you can begin programming immediately. 

The automation software system enables a secure connection to the controllers via edge devices and provides a complete overview of machine components. The total transparency of the current hardware versions and configurations, as well as the firmware and software versions, provides a comprehensive overall package for operation. The remote-update option means that firmware and software can be updated efficiently, extending the service life of the machines.

Integration with DevOps tools such as Azure DevOps allows machine code and firmware to be seamlessly updated from a central point. These functions help companies to operate sustainable machinery and maximize transparency across the entire life cycle of hard- and software.

B&R's data-based services provide companies a powerful app for seamless integration, monitoring and predictive maintenance. They enable the collection and analysis of high-frequency data that supports functionality and predictive maintenance, helping to increase efficiency, reduce operating costs and improve OEE.

The solution is container-based and fully API-driven for simple integration into existing IIoT environments. It provides functions like automatic PLC detection, data acquisition and forwarding to local or cloud services, as well as a ready-to-use HMI application and advanced analysis via machine learning. This enables companies to make data-based decisions and optimize their return on investment.