AI Assistant
Get help with PLC programming, debugging, and scene configuration
AI Assistant
The Sim Assist AI Assistant is a built-in chat interface that helps you with PLC programming, debugging, 3D scene configuration, and general automation questions. It understands IEC 61131-3 standards and has context about your current project.
What the AI Can Help With
The assistant is trained on industrial automation concepts and the Sim Assist platform. Common use cases include:
- Explain PLC logic — Paste a section of Structured Text or describe a Function Block Diagram, and the assistant explains what it does in plain language.
- Suggest block configurations — Describe what you want to achieve (e.g., "I need a conveyor that stops when a sensor detects a box"), and the assistant recommends which function blocks to use and how to wire them.
- Debug issues — Share an error message or describe unexpected behavior, and the assistant walks you through possible causes and fixes.
- Write Structured Text — Describe the logic you need, and the assistant generates ST code that you can paste into your editor.
- Explain error messages — Paste compiler errors or runtime diagnostics, and the assistant explains what went wrong and how to resolve it.
- Scene setup guidance — Ask how to configure sensors, physics properties, or object behaviors in the 3D editor.
The assistant can see your current project context, including variable names, program structure, and I/O mappings, which allows it to give specific rather than generic advice.
Credit Costs by Model Tier
AI assistant usage is billed in credits. Different model tiers are available depending on the complexity of your question:
| Tier | Best For | Cost per Message |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | Quick questions, code explanations, simple suggestions | 1 credit |
| Advanced | Complex debugging, multi-step logic generation, optimization | 3 credits |
| Expert | Large code generation, architectural decisions, detailed analysis | 5 credits |
You can select the tier from the dropdown in the chat panel. The standard tier is sufficient for most questions. Switch to a higher tier when you need more detailed or nuanced responses.
Tips for Effective Prompts
To get the best results from the AI assistant:
- Be specific — Instead of "my program doesn't work," say "the TON timer on rung 5 is not triggering even though the input is TRUE."
- Include context — Mention the function blocks you are using, the data types of your variables, and what you have already tried.
- Ask one thing at a time — Break complex questions into smaller, focused prompts for clearer answers.
- Use paste — Copy and paste actual code or error messages rather than paraphrasing them. The assistant can analyze exact text more accurately.
- Iterate — If the first response is not quite right, follow up with corrections or additional details. The assistant remembers the conversation context.
Limitations
The AI assistant has some boundaries to be aware of:
- It does not execute PLC code or run simulations. Its suggestions are based on analysis, not live testing.
- It may not be aware of very recent changes to the Sim Assist platform if they were released after its training data.
- For safety-critical applications (SIL-rated systems, emergency stops), always verify AI-generated logic against the relevant safety standards. The assistant is a productivity tool, not a certified safety engineer.
- The assistant cannot directly modify your project. You need to apply its suggestions manually through the editor.
- Responses are limited to automation and Sim Assist topics. General-purpose questions outside this domain may receive less accurate answers.