Abstract
The integration of Programmable Logic Controllers with Industry 4.0 digital twins, specifically through the Asset Administration Shell, is pivotal for advancing industrial automation. This paper investigates the software development processes required to implement digital twins based on the Asset Administration Shell within contemporary programmable logic controller environments. We analyze the capabilities and limitations of leading programmable logic controller platforms, including Beckhoff TwinCAT, Phoenix Contact PLCnext, and Bosch Rexroth ctrlX, focusing on their support for high-level programming languages such as C++, C#, and Java.