Development of an application for teaching PLC and robot programming based on OPC UA

This paper describes the development of a proof-of-concept application, which can be used to train people in the field of programmable logic controller (PLC) and robot programming. This concept leads to a better understanding, what kind of infrastructure and software packages can be combined, to not only have a visual representation of an industrial like scenario, but also the possibility to use commonly established programming environments such as TIA Portal, to set up a PLC program. In addi-tion, it provides insights on how OPC UA can be used and is suitable for controlling a typical six-axis industrial robot with the help of a PLC.