Hey there! That's a really insightful question about where our field is heading. From what I'm seeing in the industry, ladder logic programming is definitely evolving with AI, but it's more of a transformation than a replacement.

Right now, major players like Siemens and Schneider Electric have already launched AI copilots for PLC programming. Siemens Industrial Copilot, for example, can generate Structured Control Language (SCL) code and help engineers locate help topics faster. These tools are changing how we approach PLC development - instead of hand-coding everything, engineers can use AI to turn simple descriptions into working systems.

I don't think AI will completely replace human programmers anytime soon. What's emerging is definitely a hybrid role. Automation engineers will become more like 'orchestrators' - using AI to handle routine coding tasks while focusing on higher-level system design, optimization, and troubleshooting. The AI handles the repetitive stuff, freeing us up for more complex problem-solving and system integration.

The evolution seems to be moving from rigid rule definition to more flexible, adaptive control systems. PLCs themselves are becoming more capable platforms (some call them PACs - programmable automation controllers) that can handle advanced computing alongside traditional control tasks.

So to answer your question directly: Yes, AI will write some PLC code, especially for routine tasks. But it's creating a new hybrid role where automation engineers work alongside AI tools, focusing on system architecture, safety validation, and creative problem-solving. The future looks like a partnership between human expertise and AI efficiency!