# OpenPLC Walkthrough

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?

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## Watch the Full Video First

Before reading further, I recommend watching the complete walkthrough:

{% embed url="<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-YQE0Mq_T0>" %}

In this video, I demonstrate:

* Installing and running OpenPLC
* Programming a simple logic
* Deploying it on an edge environment
* Connecting it to a simulation

***

## What is OpenPLC?

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

<figure><img src="https://1831238825-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FLd2M9UNfMTnw9DjDdZJz%2Fuploads%2FNKnVjdKkJ5eKWFoeVik3%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=bd6d9473-4f4a-419e-a755-d7d77ba23260" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

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.

***

## 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.

***

## 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

***

## 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

***

## 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.

<figure><img src="https://1831238825-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FLd2M9UNfMTnw9DjDdZJz%2Fuploads%2FcQQHWnkuR9NgtX4Sn3b3%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=37c044e4-bf70-4e0a-9550-991348b3b1f8" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## 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.

***

## 🎯 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: <rajvir@codeandcompile.com> or drop me a message on [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/singhrajvir/)