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
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.
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.
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
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