For decades, machine builders have followed a familiar architecture: a PLC for logic, a dedicated motion controller for servo synchronization, an industrial PC for visualization or data processing, and often an additional gateway for cloud connectivity.
It works—but it also means more hardware, more wiring, more software platforms, and more time spent integrating everything together.
Today's machines demand far more than reliable motion control. They need faster product changeovers, tighter synchronization, real-time connectivity, and the flexibility to evolve with future manufacturing requirements.
A new architecture is emerging: Unified Motion Control & Edge Computing.
Modern machines no longer need to rely on complex mechanical synchronization.
With CODESYS SoftMotion, functions such as Electronic Cam, Electronic Gear, and multi-axis synchronization are implemented entirely in software. Instead of replacing mechanical components or redesigning transmission systems, engineers simply update motion profiles within the control software.
The result is:
Whether you're building packaging machines, lithium battery equipment, textile machinery, converting machines, or industrial robots, software-defined motion makes equipment more adaptable, more efficient, and easier to maintain.
Instead of managing separate systems for PLC logic, motion control, industrial communication, and edge applications, everything runs on a single industrial platform.
Built on the globally adopted IEC 61131-3 standard, engineers continue using familiar programming languages such as ST, LD, and FBD, while gaining access to the complete SoftMotion library, EtherCAT motion control, industrial networking, and edge computing capabilities.
One engineering environment. One runtime. One platform.
Once motion control runs on an edge computing platform, adding intelligent functionality becomes much simpler.
Machine data, axis positions, alarms, and production status can be published directly, eliminating the need for additional gateway hardware.
The same platform can also handle protocol conversion, local data processing, remote monitoring, database applications, and even AI-powered functions when required—all without increasing system complexity.
A machine that is not only fast and precise, but also easier to build, easier to maintain, and ready for the next generation of industrial automation.
Machine builders benefit from:
The BLIIOT ARMxy and EdgePLC series support CODESYS SM Motion Edition, providing machine builders with a unified platform that combines PLC control, SoftMotion, industrial communication, and edge computing in one solution.
Rather than being limited to a single hardware model, the platform is available across multiple controller configurations with different processing performance, memory options, communication interfaces, and I/O expansion capabilities—all sharing the same CODESYS engineering environment.
The platform includes:
Instead of combining multiple devices from different vendors, machine builders can consolidate PLC logic, motion control, industrial communication, and edge computing into a single platform—while retaining the flexibility to scale as machine requirements grow.
Motion control is no longer just about moving axes.
It's about building machines that are simpler, smarter, and ready for the future of industrial automation.
