The history and prospects of PLC programmable controller

PLC History: 1968 to Future

2026 Industrial Intelligence Report

The PLC invention changed manufacturing forever. Here's the history and prospects—from field experience.

Generations

Gen 1: 1968-1970s

First: Modicon 084

Feature: Relay replacement

Language: Proprietary

Gen 2: 1970s-1980s

Feature: Memory expansion

Feature: Programming advances

Language: Ladder emerges

Gen 3: 1980s-1990s

Feature: Networking

Feature: Powerful CPUs

Communication: Serial

Gen 4: 1990s-2026

Feature: Ethernet

Feature: High-speed

Integration: IIoT ready

Evolution Timeline

1968
First PLC invented by Dick Morley, Modicon 084. Replaces relay panels.
1970s
Expansion of memory, digital I/O. Ladder logic becomes standard.
1990s
IEC 61131-3 standard. Industrial Ethernet emerges.
2026+
Edge computing, AI integration, Industry 4.0.

Every decade, people said PLCs would be dead. They're more relevant than ever—evolving into edge controllers.

— Senior Controls Engineer

Future Prospects

Technology Timeline Impact>
Edge Computing Now High
AI Integration 2-3 years Very high
Digital Twin 3-5 years High
5G Connectivity 3-5 years Medium
Pro-Tip: The fundamentals haven't changed. Everything new builds on the foundation.

Learning ladder logic and timing is still the foundation. Don't chase features over fundamentals.

FAQ

+PLC invented?
1968 by Dick Morley at Bedford Associates—Modicon 084. For GM Hydra-Matic.
+Future bright?
Very bright—edge computing and IIoT mean more data at the edge, more PLC relevance.
+Skills to learn?
Fundamentals first—then add networking, cloud basics. Never replace fundamentals.

Need PLC History Training?

We provide PLC training and support.

Related Articles

Voltar para o blog

Blog posts

  • Eaton Moeller MCSN4 Pressure Switch: 2026 Guide...

    Discover the Eaton Moeller MCSN4 3-pole pressure switch engineered for direct main-circuit control up to 7 bar. This 2026 technical guide covers IT/OT convergence strategies, ROI analysis, IP65-rated durability, and...

    Eaton Moeller MCSN4 Pressure Switch: 2026 Guide...

    Discover the Eaton Moeller MCSN4 3-pole pressure switch engineered for direct main-circuit control up to 7 bar. This 2026 technical guide covers IT/OT convergence strategies, ROI analysis, IP65-rated durability, and...

  • Eaton MCS22 Pressure Switch: 2026 B2B Guide to ...

    Discover how the Eaton/Moeller MCS22 SPDT pressure switch empowers 2026 smart factories with IT/OT convergence, predictive maintenance readiness, and measurable ROI. Complete engineering guide with specs, troubleshooting, and integration strategies...

    Eaton MCS22 Pressure Switch: 2026 B2B Guide to ...

    Discover how the Eaton/Moeller MCS22 SPDT pressure switch empowers 2026 smart factories with IT/OT convergence, predictive maintenance readiness, and measurable ROI. Complete engineering guide with specs, troubleshooting, and integration strategies...

  • Fujitsu MCF3064SS SCSI MO Optical Drive: 2026 G...

    Discover why the Fujitsu MCF3064SS 640MB SCSI Magneto-Optical drive remains a mission-critical industrial automation asset in 2026. This comprehensive engineering guide covers IT/OT integration strategies, WORM archival compliance, ROI analysis...

    Fujitsu MCF3064SS SCSI MO Optical Drive: 2026 G...

    Discover why the Fujitsu MCF3064SS 640MB SCSI Magneto-Optical drive remains a mission-critical industrial automation asset in 2026. This comprehensive engineering guide covers IT/OT integration strategies, WORM archival compliance, ROI analysis...

1 3