25/05/2022
When we start the conversation about which programming languages to use for industrial automation use cases, we usually begin by talking about IEC 61131-3 languages for PLCs, such as the classic Ladder Diagram (LD) or Structured Text (ST). For applications like robotics, we often see compiled, low-level programming languages like those found in the C family.
Until very recently, nobody was talking about using Python on the factory floor. What’s changed to make an interpreted, high-level language become suddenly appealing? Python code typically runs slower than a compiled language that’s closer to machine code, and it’s certainly not up to the task of real-time control, which is a major sticking point when developing industrial systems.
However, we’re now seeing a confluence of factors that are shining a spotlight on Python. First, Industry 4.0 is changing the paradigm for how we think about industrial automation; namely, its emphasis on “smart” machinery with improved autonomy, a rich big data landscape, and full integration with next-gen technologies like additive manufacturing and cloud computing.