OpenPLC Walkthrough

Industrial automation is evolving. You no longer need a physical PLC CPU to start building, testing, and deploying automation logic.

In this article, I’ll show you:

• What is OpenPLC really?

• Why virtual PLCs matter?

• How can you deploy it?

• Where does it fit in modern edge architectures?

• And how can you test it with a digital twin?

Watch the Full Video First

Before reading further, I recommend watching the complete walkthrough:

In this video, I demonstrate:

• Installing and running OpenPLC

• Programming a simple logic

• Deploying it on an edge environment

• Connecting it to a simulation

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What is OpenPLC?

OpenPLC is an open-source IEC 61131-3 PLC runtime.

It allows you to:

• Program in Ladder, Structured Text (ST), and FBD

• Run on Linux, Raspberry Pi, or industrial PCs

• Deploy inside Docker containers

• Communicate via Modbus, OPC UA, MQTT

• Integrate with edge and cloud systems

In simple words: OpenPLC = A real PLC runtime running on standard hardware.

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Why Virtual PLCs Matter

Traditional PLC setup:

• PLC CPU, IO modules, Wiring, Power supply

• Hardware cost

Virtual PLC setup:

• Edge device with OpenPLC runtime

• Software-based IO

• Cloud Orchestration

This enables:

• Remote development and Safe testing

• Scalable training labs with Faster prototyping

• Lower cost entry into automation

For educators and engineers, this is powerful.

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Where Can You Run OpenPLC?

OpenPLC is extremely flexible.

You can deploy it on:

• Raspberry Pi, Industrial PCs

• Docker containers

• Edge gateways

• Linux-based embedded systems

This makes it ideal for IIoT prototyping, Remote labs, and educational institutions and Edge-to-cloud architectures

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How to Get Started with OpenPLC

Sign up for free at their Official Website: 🔗 https://autonomylogic.com/. Watch the video for step by step instruction

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Testing Your PLC Logic Without Real Hardware

Now comes the important question: How do you test PLC logic if you don’t have physical IO? You use a digital twin. And this is where Simumatik becomes extremely powerful.

Simulate Machines with Simumatik

Simumatik is a browser-based industrial simulation platform. It allows you to:

• Build machine simulations

• Connect directly to OpenPLC

• Simulate sensors and actuators

• Teach automation safely

• Validate control logic in 3D environments

In this setup:

OpenPLC → Control Brain Simumatik → Virtual Machine

Together you get a complete virtual automation lab.

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🎯 Interested in Trying Simumatik?

We are officially offering Simumatik educational licenses.

If you:

• Want to use it in your school

• Build a training lab

• Practice PLC programming in simulation

• Teach automation remotely

Learn more about that here: https://codeandcompile.com/simumatik

♥️ Work With Me

I regularly test industrial automation and IIoT devices. If you’d like me to review your product or showcase it in my courses and YouTube channel:

📧 Email: [email protected] or drop me a message on LinkedIn