A browser-based programming environment for NC-controlled production cells

We built a web programming environment for ETLsoft Kft.’s UniversalCell product, replacing an earlier WPF desktop application. The programmer assembles a production cell’s operating sequence in the browser, and the system generates G-code the controller can execute.

What the solution consists of

• A visual sequence editor for composing motions, waits, synchronisation points, subprograms and control structures
• G-code generation for NC I compatible controllers, with preview and download; the output matches the behaviour of the system it replaced
• Production line configuration: the physical PLC, virtual stations, axes and device groups, loaded from an external gateway endpoint or an uploaded JSON file
• Versioning and comparison: every configuration upload and sequence save creates a new version, with full history and a visual diff
• Concurrent editing protection: records lock while being edited, with real-time synchronisation across browser tabs and users
• Multi-tenant, role-based access and an audit log, in Hungarian, English and German

The outcome

Programming moved out of a desktop application and into the browser, so there is no software to install and maintain on each workstation. Production line configurations and sequences are versioned, so it is traceable what changed, when and by whom.

The generated G-code is compatible with the existing controllers, so nothing had to change on the machines themselves. The system runs on the factory’s own Windows server, with no cloud dependency.