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The Future of Industrial Automation: AI vs PLC Engineers – Who Will Lead?

2025-03-21 11:01:47
Introduction: The Intersection of AI and Industrial Control Systems
The industrial control industry has always relied on the expertise of engineers, particularly PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) engineers, to design and maintain automation systems. However, with the rise of generative AI technologies like ChatGPT, there’s a growing shift towards integrating AI into industrial automation. This shift is not just about simple automation, but represents a transformative force that could reshape production methods and business models. So, the question arises: in this new era of digital transformation, will AI or PLC engineers emerge as the true protagonist of the industrial control industry?

The Rise of AI in Industrial Automation
Generative AI is no longer confined to creative fields like social media and content generation—it’s making significant inroads into the industrial sector. The combination of AI with traditional automation technologies, such as PLCs, is proving to be a game-changer. AI brings advanced capabilities that traditional PLCs lack, such as improved adaptability, flexibility, and the ability to automate complex tasks.
For example, Siemens recently introduced its Industrial Copilot, a generative AI tool that supports engineers in automating repetitive tasks and generating code for PLCs. This AI-powered solution significantly reduces the workload of engineering teams, minimizes the risk of errors, and enhances the overall quality and productivity of the development process. AI has thus become a powerful tool, driving efficiency and shortening development timelines across industries.

How AI Enhances PLC Engineering – A Perfect Partnership
AI’s integration with PLCs opens up new possibilities for industrial automation. Companies like Siemens, B&R, and Beifu are leading the charge by integrating AI into their engineering platforms to optimize the PLC programming process. Siemens’ TIA Bot, for instance, allows engineers to use AI for virtualizing tasks and code generation, while B&R’s collaboration with Microsoft helps developers write, optimize, and annotate PLC code using natural language.
Moreover, Beifu’s TwinCAT Chat tool uses large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT to support the development of TwinCAT projects. These AI-powered tools can automatically complete programming tasks, optimize existing code, and even assist in documentation—tasks that traditionally took up significant time and effort for engineers. As AI handles these repetitive and time-consuming aspects, engineers can focus on higher-level tasks like system optimization and problem-solving, which improves overall system performance.

Why Engineers Still Hold the Edge in Industrial Automation
While AI is making waves in the industrial automation space, it’s important to remember that it does not replace engineers. In fact, the role of engineers remains essential to the industry for several reasons. Writing PLC programs requires a deep understanding of electrical engineering, automation, and programming. Although AI can assist with code generation, it still needs substantial data and training to handle complex, non-standard tasks that require human intuition.
Additionally, engineers are not only involved in programming but also in the installation, debugging, and troubleshooting of equipment. These tasks demand hands-on expertise that AI, at least for now, cannot replicate. Furthermore, engineers bring a level of practical experience and problem-solving skills that AI lacks. Their ability to optimize processes, maintain systems, and apply knowledge in real-world scenarios continues to be vital.

The Symbiotic Relationship Between AI and Engineers
Rather than being in competition with each other, AI and engineers can complement one another to create more efficient, productive, and innovative industrial systems. AI enhances the capabilities of engineers by automating repetitive tasks, reducing human error, and speeding up development processes. Engineers, in turn, bring their specialized knowledge and practical experience to guide the application of AI, ensuring that the systems are properly optimized, maintained, and adapted to real-world challenges.
As AI technology advances, engineers who embrace AI tools will be equipped with powerful assets that enhance their productivity and value in the workplace. The engineers who can combine their deep knowledge with AI capabilities will be the ones who lead the industry into the future.

Conclusion: Embracing AI for a Smarter Future in Industrial Automation
The question of whether AI or PLC engineers will be the protagonist in industrial automation isn’t as simple as choosing one over the other. AI is undeniably a powerful tool that enhances the capabilities of PLC engineers, but it does not replace them. In fact, AI and engineers work together to drive industrial automation forward, with AI automating repetitive tasks and engineers using their expertise to solve complex problems and optimize systems.
As we move further into the digital age, those who can combine deep technical knowledge with AI tools will have a distinct advantage. The future of industrial control is not about replacing PLC engineers with AI—it’s about embracing AI as a transformative tool that enhances human expertise and drives productivity to new heights. The industry is evolving, and engineers who adapt to these changes will be at the forefront of the next generation of industrial automation.

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