Digital Twin Meets PLC: Practice Logic and Wiring with Simumatik

In this article, we’ll explore how to use Simumatik — a revolutionary Digital Twin platform by VirtualWare — to learn PLC programming, a true game-changer for automation enthusiasts.

In today’s fast-evolving industrial landscape, PLC programming is a critical skill for automation professionals. However, learning PLC logic and wiring can be challenging without access to real equipment.

Introducing Simumatik – a cloud-based Digital Twin platform that offers a safe, flexible, and hands-on environment to practice and master PLC programming.

• Provides a realistic, risk-free environment to practice PLC programming without physical hardware.
• Allows you to simulate real-world industrial systems and test PLC logic in real-time.
• Enables hands-on learning of wiring, communication protocols, and system integration.
• Offers a safe space to troubleshoot errors and improve programming skills.
• Bridges the gap between theory and practice, making learning more efficient and cost-effective

Here’s how Simumatik can revolutionize your PLC learning journey:

1. Practice PLC Logic with Built-In Communication Support

Simumatik’s platform makes it easy to connect via its Gateway to any PLC using communication protocols such as:

• Allen Bradley Logix, EthernetIP Generic Device
• Micro800 HTTP (Rockwell Automation CCW)
• Modbus TCP, MQTT client
• Omron FINS, Omron NexSocket (Sysmac Simulator)
• OPCUA client, OPCDA Client
• Siemens PLCSim, Siemens PLCSim Advanced
• S7Protocol, Siemens Simit (using shared memory)
• Simulink UDP, Twincat ADS, UDP generic

Whether you’re using a physical PLC or a SoftPLC like CODESYS, Simumatik’s Gateway interface ensures seamless integration. You can test your PLC programs in real-time with a digital model of your system, observing how your code affects conveyors, sensors, robots, switches, and more.

You can learn more about Gateway and Integration in our free course available in the Simumatik academy.

2. Simulate PLC Wiring Connections

Simumatik allows users to go beyond logic and dive into PLC wiring practices by connecting digital inputs and outputs.

Its 2D wiring view makes it easy to understand how components interact, helping learners grasp how physical connections are made in real-world systems.

3. Build and Customize Your Own Systems and components

Simumatik isn’t just a simulation tool – it’s a platform to create your own digital systems using customized components. From conveyors and sensors to robots and control panels, you can customize a virtual environment to replicate real-world industrial setups.

4. Connect to Any PLC or Robotics Software

Whether you prefer working with physical PLCs, SoftPLCs, or robotics platforms, Simumatik supports it all. You can:

• Use CODESYS SoftPLC, Connected Component Workbench PLC Simulator, Omron Sysmac Studio or any other third-party SoftPLC
• Connect robotics software like RoboDK,
• Integrate IoT tools like Node-RED, MQTT Broker etc.

This makes Simumatik ideal for both individual learners and training institutions.

5. Explore PLC Learning in Virtual Reality (VR)

One of the most exciting features of Simumatik is the possibility of integrating Virtual Reality (VR) using out partner app VIROO to make PLC learning even more immersive. By combining the Digital Twin environment with VR, learners can:

• Interact with virtual industrial equipment as if they were in a real-world factory
• Practice PLC wiring and troubleshooting in a lifelike virtual workspace
• Gain practical, hands-on experience without the need for physical hardware

With VR, PLC training becomes more engaging and realistic, helping users develop a deeper understanding of automation systems.

??Start Learning for Free!

One of the best things about Simumatik? It’s free to get started! With a free account, you can:

• Access ready-to-use systems
• Integrate your PLCs
• Practice with real-world simulations

Furthermore, we offer a free online academy where you can learn to build systems and components, and connect Simumatik to various PLCs, SoftPLCs, and robotics software through a hands-on, step-by-step approach designed for effective learning.

If you want to create your own systems, you can easily upgrade to a paid plan. ?? Visit simumatik.com to sign up and start your PLC learning journey today!