“Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) have become indispensable in the manufacturing industry, driving automation across assembly lines, robotic control, and process fault diagnosis. With the rise of Industry 4.0, the demand for PLCs has surged, prompting suppliers to innovate. They are now focusing on developing compact PLCs with increased Input/Output (I/O) capacity to enhance device functionality. This surge in automation is reshaping traditional manufacturing processes, integrating advancements in computing, computer engineering, and control engineering. Moreover, it’s influencing various sectors including economy, manufacturing, and electrical engineering. Companies like ABB are at the forefront, leveraging advancements in technology to meet the evolving needs of the market and drive efficiency in the secondary sector of the economy. As PLCs continue to evolve, they bridge the gap between physical sciences and information technology, revolutionizing industries and business processes alike.
Top 5 PLC Vendors
#1 Siemens AG
Siemens AG is a German conglomerate company diversifying operations across the industry, energy, healthcare, and infrastructure & cities divisions. However, their industrial automation division is the largest and the most profitable division. In 2016, Siemens reported an annual revenue of US$ 88.09 billion. It serves an esteemed client base that includes Volkswagen, Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd., Novation, and DONG Energy A/S.
#2 Rockwell Automation
Rockwell Automation Inc is one of the world’s largest company dedicated to industrial automation. The company has brands like Allen-Bradley and Rockwell Software, and product portfolio including Rockwell Automation covers control systems, motor control devices, industrial control components, information software, network technology, sensing devices, safety technology, and industrial security.
#3 Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
Mitsubishi Electric Corporation was founded in 1921 in Japan. It manufactures electric and architectural equipment and is one of the major producers of photovoltaic panels. It started out initially producing electric fan, hydraulic generator, and completing the first domestically produced railway substation.
#4 Schneider Electric
Schneider Electric SE is a French multinational corporation that started out in 1836 when the Schneider brothers invested in the Creusot foundries to become the major players in the steel and machine industry. With 180 years of industry experience, the company now specializes in energy management and automation solutions. It is also one of the Fortune Global 500 company that has about 20,000 patents either active or in application worldwide.
#5 Omron Corporation
Omron Corporation started out in 1933 as Tateisi Electric Manufacturing Co. in the city of Kyoto, Japan. The company has supported the industry with innovative and advanced automation solutions. Alongside PLC systems it also manufactures control components, electric power monitoring equipment, power supplies, sensors, switches, safety components, and relays.
