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Open Source PLCs

Artur Romero Hazas • 29 June 2023

Embrace the Power of Open Source with Industrial Shields PLCs!


In the rapidly evolving world of industrial automation, having a flexible and customizable solution is crucial for businesses to stay competitive. Traditional programmable logic controllers (PLCs) often come with proprietary software and limited customization options, which can hinder innovation and increase costs.


However, with the rise of open source technologies, a new era of automation has dawned, empowering businesses to take control of their automation systems like never before. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of Open-source PLCs and how Industrial Shields is leading the way in this field.

What is Open-source PLC?
Open-source PLCs are programmable logic controllers that are built on open source technologies, both hardware and software, providing businesses with unprecedented control and freedom in designing their automation systems.


Unlike traditional PLCs that rely on proprietary software and hardware, Open-source PLCs provide access to the underlying source code, allowing users to modify and customize the functionality according to their specific needs.



Advantages of Open-source PLCs:
  1. Cost Savings: One of the primary advantages of Open-source PLCs is the potential for significant cost savings. By leveraging open source technologies, businesses can reduce their reliance on expensive proprietary software and hardware, resulting in lower upfront costs and decreased long-term maintenance expenses.

  2. Customization and Flexibility: Open-source PLCs offer unparalleled customization and flexibility. With access to the source code, users can modify and adapt the PLC's functionality to match their specific automation needs. This ability to tailor the system to unique requirements ensures optimal performance and efficiency.

  3. Community Collaboration: Open source projects thrive on collaboration and community engagement. Industrial Shields PLCs benefit from a vibrant community of developers and users who actively contribute to the improvement of the platform. This collaborative environment fosters knowledge sharing, rapid bug fixes, and the development of new features, ensuring that the PLCs remain at the cutting edge of automation technology.

Industrial Shields is a leading provider of open source PLCs that combine the power of open source technologies with industrial-grade hardware. Their PLCs are compatible with the Arduino and Raspberry Pi ecosystems, making them accessible to a broad range of users. Industrial Shields offers a wide range of PLC models to cater to diverse automation needs, from small-scale projects to large industrial installations.

Key features of Industrial Shields PLCs include:
  • Robust construction for industrial environments
  • Compatibility with industrial protocols such as Modbus, Ethernet, and CAN Bus
  • Easy integration with existing automation systems
  • Plug-and-play functionality for quick deployment
  • Extensive documentation and support

All in one.

Open-source PLCs are revolutionizing the field of industrial automation, empowering businesses to create customized solutions that align with their unique requirements. With Industrial Shields PLCs, you can harness the power of open source technologies while enjoying the reliability and robustness of industrial-grade hardware. Embrace the future of automation with Industrial Shields and unlock the potential of open source PLCs for your business.



Traditional PLC vs Open Source PLC

Criteria Traditional PLCs Open Source PLCs
Cost Expensive proprietary software and hardware Lower upfront costs and decreased maintenance expenses by leveraging open source technologies
Customization Limited customization options Unparalleled customization and flexibility by modifying the source code according to specific needs
Community Engagement Limited community collaboration Active community of developers and users, fostering knowledge sharing, bug fixes, and feature development
Compatibility Compatibility with specific hardware and software ecosystems Compatibility with Arduino and Raspberry Pi ecosystems, making them accessible to a broad range of users
Industrial Grade Reliable and robust construction Industrial-grade hardware offering reliability and robustness
Protocols Support for standard industrial protocols Support for industrial protocols such as Modbus, Ethernet, and CAN Bus
Integration Limited integration with existing automation systems Easy integration with existing automation systems
Complexity Can be complex to modify or adapt Simplified modification and adaptation due to access to source code
Documentation Varied documentation and support options Extensive documentation and support available
Innovation Limited scope for innovation and advancement Rapid development and improvement through community collaboration


Open Source PLCs offer significant advantages over traditional PLCs. They provide lower upfront costs and decreased maintenance expenses by leveraging open source technologies. With unparalleled customization and flexibility, users can modify the source code to match their specific automation needs. Open Source PLCs benefit from active community collaboration, allowing for rapid development, bug fixes, and knowledge sharing. They also offer compatibility with popular hardware ecosystems like Arduino and Raspberry Pi, making them accessible to a broad range of users.


→ Ready to take the next step in your automation journey?

Visit https://www.branchrobotics.tech/plc-control and www.industrialshields.com to explore the range of open source PLCs and discover how Industrial Shields can transform your automation systems.

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