That's a really interesting question that many industrial automation professionals are thinking about! Based on current trends, I don't believe traditional PLC programming languages like ladder logic and structured text will become obsolete in the next 5 years, but they will definitely evolve into hybrid systems.

Here's what I'm seeing: Ladder logic still commands about 46.8% of the market because it's so intuitive for electrical engineers who understand relay logic. It's deeply embedded in industrial culture and infrastructure. Structured text is great for complex algorithms and data manipulation. Both have their strengths that won't disappear overnight.

However, AI and natural language interfaces are definitely coming. Companies like ABB are already launching AI natural language programming for collaborative robots, and industry analysts predict this could become standard in PLC systems within 5 years. The future seems to be about augmentation rather than replacement.

What I envision is a hybrid approach where AI tools help generate code from natural language descriptions, but engineers still review and refine it using traditional languages. Think of it like how modern software developers use AI coding assistants - they don't replace programmers, but they make them more productive.

The real transformation will likely be in how we work with these systems. You might describe what you want in plain English, AI generates the initial code, and then you fine-tune it in ladder logic or structured text. This could make PLC programming more accessible while still leveraging the reliability and familiarity of traditional methods.

So in short: not obsolete, but definitely evolving into smarter, more integrated hybrid systems!