Glossary Updates12 new terms added to the glossaries · October 2, 2026, 22:44 CEST
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Glossary · PLC and control programming

TwinCAT HMI

Also known as: Beckhoff TwinCAT HMI

German: TwinCAT HMI

In industrial automation, TwinCAT HMI is Beckhoff's web-based human-machine interface system, in which operator screens are built from HTML5 and JavaScript-based controls in the engineering environment and served by an HMI server to browsers and panels.

  • PLC programming
  • Vendor product

In one sentence

TwinCAT HMI is Beckhoff's web-based HMI system, with HTML5 screens served by an HMI server to browsers and panels.

Example

Operators view the machine's HMI on a panel at the machine, and supervisors open the same screens in a browser in the control room.

How it applies

  • Engineering: Screens are designed in the TwinCAT engineering environment and bound to PLC variables. Custom controls can be developed with web technologies. Multi-language texts and user management are configured in the HMI project.
  • Security: A web-based HMI is reachable over the network. Access control, encrypted connections and network segmentation are part of the security concept, see Authentication.
  • Usability: Screen layout, alarm texts and color conventions affect how quickly operators react. Safety-relevant messages must be clear and consistent, see Safety information usability.
  • Documentation: Keep HMI texts, alarm messages and manual wording from one source where possible. The operating manual should show the screen structure and explain each screen's purpose and the user roles.

Keep in mind: product names and features change. Check product functions and licensing against the vendor's current documentation.

By knowledge.aitechdoc.world · Published September 26, 2026 · Last reviewed

Source: AI TechDoc Knowledge editorial definition, based on vendor product information

Definitions follow the cited standards and specifications. Where a source is a copyrighted publication, such as an ISO, IEC or EN standard, the definition is a close paraphrase, not a verbatim quotation, so as not to infringe copyright. We recommend reading the original publication. The sections “How it applies” are editorial commentary by AI TechDoc Knowledge and are not part of any standard.

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