Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) Market Size (2024 - 2029)

Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) Market Analysis

The Programmable Logic Controller Market size is estimated at USD 12.20 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 15.12 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 4.37% during the forecast period (2024-2029).

The market is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing demand for automation to meet production goals and enhance product quality. The need for higher production volumes without compromising quality standards also drives this demand, as PLCs enable precise control over manufacturing parameters, ensuring consistent output and adherence to quality benchmarks.

• The market studied is significantly influenced by industrial output and investments in computers and software. PLC systems have traditionally served as the foundation of process and discrete factory automation. The increasing adoption of Industry 4.0 across various industrial sectors has further driven market growth. A notable growth indicator for PLCs in discrete manufacturing is the increased deployment of robots in the automotive manufacturing, electrical, and electronics industries.
• With robots being one of the key users of PLCs, the market is expected to benefit significantly from the growth of global industrial robot installations. Industrial robots have witnessed a huge demand in recent years due to the rising adoption of smart factory systems. According to the International Robotics Federation (IFR), manufacturing companies in the United States have invested heavily in automation. The number of total industrial robots installed increased by 12% and reached 44,303 units in 2023.
• Another major trend in the market is the growing adoption of integrated solutions and devices, such as embedding PLCs with industrial controls such as HMIs or SCADA. These integrations improve efficacy and visibility in factory operations while reducing the workload on central controllers.
• The integration of PLC, motion control, and HMI programming into a single environment is a trend expected to advance over the forecast period. The demand for combining HMI processors and PLCs into the same rack, with a monitor included in the package or offered as an external option, is projected to increase significantly.
• The growing demand for product customization and the shift from batch to continuous processing in discrete industries are creating significant challenges for the PLC market. Factors such as greater flexibility, integration with advanced technologies, scalability, and cost pressures are pushing manufacturers to explore more advanced automation solutions like DCS, SCADA, industrial PCs, and cloud-based systems. While PLCs remain essential in many applications, their limitations in handling dynamic, real-time, and large-scale processes in these evolving environments drive industries to seek alternatives that offer better adaptability, scalability, and efficiency.
• Economic growth, particularly in the manufacturing and industrial sectors, is significantly driving demand for various types of PLCs. As economies expand and industries modernize, the demand for automation solutions is increasing, enabling these industries to enhance efficiency, productivity, and competitiveness.

Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) Industry Segmentation

PLC is the primary computing system that controls automated machines. The system also helps detect errors or flaws and alerts the technician. Due to their compact sizes, PLC systems are preferred over traditional ones, like relays and switch boxes. Another advantage of PLCs is their multi-functionality (owing to their programmable nature, which can be used for multiple operations depending on the application. The PLC consists of hardware, software, and services. The basic architecture of the PLC consists of the main components: the processor module, the power supply, and the I/O modules.

The Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) market is segmented by type (hardware and software [large PLC, nano PLC, small PLC, medium PLC, other types], services, by end-user industry (food, tobacco, and beverage, automotive, chemical and petrochemical, energy and utilities, pulp and paper, oil and gas, water and wastewater treatment, pharmaceutical, other end-user industries), by geography (North America [United States, Canada], Europe [United Kingdom, Germany, France, Rest of Europe], Asia-Pacific [China, India, Japan, Rest of Asia-Pacific], Latin America, Middle East and Africa). The Market Sizes and Forecasts are Provided in Terms of Value in USD for all the Above Segments.