Skip to main content
Virtual PLCs (vPLCs) are software-based controllers that run your automation logic on general-purpose hardware. Linux IPCs, edge devices like Revolution Pi, even containers — instead of a dedicated PLC CPU. The result: no controller hardware to buy, faster deployment, central fleet management, and modern IT-style workflows (CI/CD, remote monitoring) applied to PLC programming. I have tested the following vPLC platforms hands-on. Here is a brief summary of my work with each, so you can jump straight to the one that matches your use case.

​
Autonomy Edge: OpenPLC redefined

Autonomy takes the open-source OpenPLC runtime and adds cloud orchestration, letting you build, test, and deploy automation logic without ever buying a PLC CPU. My work with this platform covers:
  • A complete OpenPLC walkthrough — setting up cloud orchestration and deploying your first virtual PLC
  • Interfacing with an IO-Link master over MODBUS TCP/IP for real-time vibration monitoring and signaling on real hardware
  • Using Python Function Blocks in the OpenPLC Editor and streaming live PLC data to a ThingsBoard cloud dashboard
Learn more: Autonomy Edge- OpenPLC redefined

​
OTee — Open Architecture Real-time Virtual PLCs

OTee.io is a free platform for creating and deploying virtual PLCs on Linux-based edge devices. I deployed a fully functional vPLC on a Revolution Pi in a step-by-step live demo, covering:
  • IEC 61131-3 Structured Text programming with tags, variables, and alarms in OTee’s cloud editor
  • Modbus TCP communication to field I/O, with remote tag browsing and live troubleshooting
  • Platform features like role-based access control, fleet management, and CI/CD pipelines from a centralized secure cloud
Learn more: OTee- Open Architecture Real time Virtual PLCs

OTee- Open Architecture Real time Virtual PLCs