Hi engineers,
I am working on a concept called an IDE for automation and robotics that aims to occupy the intermediate space between microcontrollers and PLCs.
The typical picture in embedded development is this:
Microcontrollers like Arduino, STM32, or ESP provide flexibility but require firmware, register-level work, and constant debugging.
PLCs are reliable and standardized, but expensive, often tied to proprietary software and ecosystems.
DIY and hobbyist solutions such as Raspberry Pi are good for prototypes but are limited for industrial-scale applications.
The idea behind this IDE is to use a standard x86 PC with modular hardware interfaces and a visual logic editor based on soft-PLC and finite state machines. It is designed to speed up development and remove the routine work associated with low-level coding.
What has been implemented so far:
machines
GPIO control through USB
Ready-made modules for typical automation tasks
ntegration with AI models to generate documentation and logic templates
Use cases include multi-industry automation, laboratories, R&D test rigs, ag-tech pilot projects, and small production cells where PLCs are excessive and microcontrollers slow down development.
Questions for the community:
How do you evaluate the potential of a PC-based approach for embedded systems and automation?
Is it true that microcontrollers remain the only viable option for most tasks?
Do you see a niche where PCs with modular I/O could be a more effective tool?
I am interested in the opinions of computer engineering professionals on whether this "middle ground" is justified and whether it can genuinely simplify the transition from prototype to working solution.
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