The comment brought memories from many years ago when I first heard about a new programming language/operating system. Java. I rushed to the local bookstore to purchase a book. It was huge. I downloaded the Java Development Kit. Eventually, I downloaded eclipse, an IDE for writing Java.
The key marketing message for Java? Write once, run everywhere. You just had to have a target to download the code to a runtime instance.
The comment that brought back ancient memories occurred during a briefing at the Rockwell Automation Automation Fair event in November.
Executives from Rockwell were discussing how their latest control platforms were amenable to software defined automation. A colleague asked about their support for IEC 61131 programming languages, especially about the part where they hope to have “write once/run anywhere” programmable controller code. That is, write a control program in the void, then download to any target be it Rockwell Automation, Siemens, ABB, or name your favorite.
The executives returned a blank stare. The inquisitor said that he supposed that that was a “no.”
I had long forgotten that nirvana of PLC Open. Discussions often grew heated in the early part of the century on this topic. Personally, I don’t see how it can happen. To bring that hope of PLCOpen to fruition, all controller manufacturers would have to agree to commoditize their hardware. Some users may think that driving control to commodity to reduce the cost would be good. But that would disincentivize innovation.
That’s not going to happen.
In fact, looking at software-defined and model-based programming with AI assistance, I wonder how long IEC61131 will be necessary.
I’m quoting Ed Sheeran and just “Thinking Out Loud.” Where will all this go? What impact will the ubiquitous AI have on this entire discussion—if any? What will machine control look like in 10 years?
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