Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) Market Size - By End Use (Aerospace & Defense, Automotive, Chemical, Energy & Utilities, Food & Beverages, Healthcare, Manufacturing, Mining & Metal, Oil & Gas, Transportation), Type, Component & Forecast, 2024 - 2032

Programmable Logic Controller Market Size

Programmable Logic Controller Market size was valued at USD 10 billion in 2023 and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of over 10% between 2024 and 2032. The increasing demand for sophisticated automation and data integration in industrial processes is driving the market growth. PLCs are critical in enabling smooth communication between devices, sensors, and control systems, which is consistent with the interconnected nature of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). This synergy improves the efficiency, scalability, and real-time decision-making of industrial processes, propelling PLC adoption as a critical enabler of the growing IIoT landscape.
 

For instance, in November 2022, Arduino, in partnership with Finder, launched its first micro-PLC - Opta, a powerful gadget devised with the IIoT. The PLC uses an STMicro STM32H747XI dual-core microcontroller, which contains a single high-performance Arm Cortex-M7 core operating at up to 480MHz & a low-power Cortex-M4 core driving at up to 240MHz alongside a disseminated Floating-Point Unit (FPU), Chrom-ART accelerator, a hardware JPEG accelerator, 2MB flash, a total of 1,056kB of RAM plus 1,024-byte, and 4kB backup Static RAM (SRAM).
 

A Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) is a specialized digital computer used in industrial automation and control systems. It is designed to monitor inputs, make decisions based on programmed logic, and control outputs to automate machinery & processes. PLCs play a crucial role in enhancing efficiency, reliability, and flexibility in various industrial applications.
 

Security concerns play a crucial role in restraining the programmable logic controller market size. As industrial automation systems become more connected and integrated with Information Technology (IT) networks, the vulnerabilities associated with cyber threats have become a significant challenge. PLCs, when connected to networks, are susceptible to cyber threats such as malware, ransomware, and phishing attacks.
 

The potential for unauthorized access to critical industrial control systems poses a significant security risk, leading to concerns about the reliability and safety of PLC-controlled processes. PLCs handle sensitive data related to industrial processes, production plans, and equipment performance. Security breaches can result in unauthorized access to this data, leading to potential intellectual property theft, industrial espionage, or compromise of proprietary information.
 

Programmable Logic Controller Market Trends

PLCs are being integrated into IIoT systems, fostering seamless communication between devices. This connectivity improves data exchange, enabling real-time monitoring and control. The synergy between PLCs and IIoT has developed automation in industrial processes, enhancing efficiency and responsiveness to dynamic operational requirements.
 

To protect against potential cyber threats and ensure the integrity & security of industrial control systems, PLC manufacturers prioritize robust cybersecurity solutions. Furthermore, the compact and modular designs fulfill the requirement for adaptable installations. Compact and modular PLCs enable seamless integration into a variety of industrial environments. This improves scalability, allowing the controllers to rapidly adapt to new automation needs while preserving efficiency and reliability in industrial processes.
 

Programmable Logic Controller Market Analysis

Based on end use, the market is segmented into aerospace & defense, automotive, chemical, energy & utilities, food & beverages, healthcare, manufacturing, mining & metal, oil & gas, and transportation. The manufacturing segment held over 18% of the market share in 2023.
 

• The integration of Industry 4.0 principles, such as smart factories and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), is fueling the demand for PLCs. PLCs play a crucial role in these advanced manufacturing environments by enabling seamless connectivity and data exchange between devices, sensors & control systems. This integration enhances automation, efficiency, and real-time decision-making in the context of Industry 4.0-driven smart & interconnected factories.
   
• PLCs offer cost-effective solutions for controlling and automating processes compared to traditional manual methods, making them attractive to manufacturing industries.
   

Based on type, the PLC market is divided into modular, compact, and rack mounted. The modular segment is poised to register a CAGR of over 11% through 2032.
 

• Modular PLCs offer a scalable solution, allowing users to expand or modify their control systems easily by adding or removing modules based on evolving operational requirements.
   
• Modular PLCs excel in adaptability, catering to diverse industries with distinct automation needs. Their versatility allows seamless customization, making them suitable for a wide range of applications. This adaptability ensures that businesses across sectors can deploy these controllers to meet specific operational requirements and enhance automation in their unique industrial processes.
   

North America programmable logic controller market accounted for 30% of the revenue share in 2023, due to the region's increased emphasis on industrial automation, Industry 4.0 adoption, and a healthy manufacturing sector. PLCs are key components in increasing productivity due to the requirement for efficient & integrated production processes as well as a focus on technological improvements. Furthermore, increased expenditures on smart infrastructure and the Internet of Things (IoT) will contribute to the industry growth.
 

Programmable Logic Controller Market Share

Players operating in the programmable logic controller (PLC) industry focus on implementing different growth strategies to strengthen their offerings and expand their market reach. These strategies involve new product developments & launches, partnerships & collaborations, mergers & acquisitions, and customer retention. These players also heavily invest in research & development to introduce innovative and technologically advanced solutions in the market.
 

Programmable Logic Controller Market Companies

Some of the major companies operating in the programmable logic controller industry are:

• Siemens AG
• Rockwell Automation, Inc.
• Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
• Schneider Electric SE
• Omron Corporation
• General Electric Company (GE)
• ABB Group
   

Programmable Logic Controller Industry News

• In December 2023, Rockwell Automation streamlined machine design, development, and deployment with Micro800 Controllers & automation software enhancements. These controllers offer improved Ethernet communication from controller to Human Machine Interface (HMI) and Supervisory Control & Data Acquisition (SCADA) applications that enable a faster data refresh rate for better system connectivity and performance.
   
• In April 2023, Siemens launched a complete virtual PLC, Simatic S7-1500V, which is part of Industrial Operations X. The PLC expanded the existing Simatic portfolio and meets special market requirements such as virtual hosting of PLC computing. In the future, the range will include both hardware controllers and the virtual PLC.
   

The programmable logic controller (PLC) market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue (USD Billion) from 2018 to 2032, for the following segments:

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Market, By Type

• Modular
• Compact
• Rack Mounted

Market, By Component

• Hardware
• Central Processing Unit (CPU)
• Memory Modules
• Input Modules
• Output Modules
• Communication Modules
• Power Supply Unit
• Human Machine Interface (HMI)
• Others 
• Software
• Services

Market, By End Use

• Aerospace & Defense
• Automotive
• Chemical
• Energy & Utilities
• Food & Beverage
• Healthcare
• Manufacturing
• Mining & Metal
• Oil & Gas
• Transportation
• Others

The above information has been provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Russia
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Rest of Asia Pacific 
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Rest of Latin America
• MEA
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE
  • South Africa
  • Rest of MEA