NEW YORK, Sept. 29, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Software-defined automation is rapidly reshaping industrial control, and global technology intelligence firm ABI Research has identified Schneider Electric, Siemens, Bosch Rexroth, SUPCON, Honeywell Technologies, and CODESYS as the leaders in its latest Software-Defined Automation (SDA) competitive ranking. The ranking assessed 13 industrial automation vendors on both innovation and implementation, with Schneider Electric taking the No. 1 overall position, followed by Siemens and Bosch Rexroth. The report highlights how manufacturers are increasingly prioritizing flexible, intelligent, and scalable automation platforms as SDA adoption expands beyond pilot projects.
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“Software-defined automation is becoming a strategic battleground as manufacturers look for faster time to market, lower hardware dependence, and more resilient control architectures,” an ABI Research analyst said. “The vendors that stand out are the ones proving they can pair software-defined control with strong AI road maps, open deployment models, and the cybersecurity posture needed for long-term adoption in global industrial markets.” This emphasis on AI and openness as innovation differentiators, along with scalability and cybersecurity on the implementation side, was central to the assessment.
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  • Schneider Electric led the ranking based on its strong openness strategy, global deployments, and ability to support both software-defined PLC and DCS environments.
  • Siemens followed with notable strengths in AI, including agents, copilots, and edge intelligence, alongside a composable SDA portfolio designed to meet manufacturers at different stages of digital transformation.
  • Bosch Rexroth stood out for its openness, cybersecurity readiness, and flexible deployment options.
  • SUPCON differentiated itself through a unified PLC and DCS architecture, purpose-built AI capabilities, and more than 100 deployments across process industries.
  • Honeywell Technologies earned recognition for its implementation strength, particularly its scalable plant-level virtualization approach and flexible I/O model.
  • CODESYS also ranked among the leaders for its broad interoperability, mature virtual control foundation, and early progress in virtual functional safety.

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The broader market opportunity is accelerating quickly. ABI Research found SDA controller revenue is projected to grow from US$500 million in 2025 to US$4.7 billion by 2035, representing a 22.3% CAGR. Adoption is being driven by manufacturers seeking quicker time to market, reduced bill of materials, and greater flexibility to address hardware obsolescence. Automotive remains the largest opportunity for pure PLC players, while food and beverage, semiconductors, and data centers are also emerging as high-potential segments. Regionally, growth is expected to be strongest in EMEA, Asia-Pacific, and North America as reshoring, semiconductor investment, and industrial modernization programs increase demand for software-defined control.

These findings are from ABI Research’s Software-Defined Automation (SDA) report, part of the company’s Industrial & Manufacturing Technologies research service, which includes research, data, and ABI Insights. 

About ABI Research

ABI Research is a global technology intelligence firm uniquely positioned at the intersection of technology solution providers and end-market companies. We serve as the bridge that seamlessly connects these two segments by providing exclusive research and expert guidance to drive successful technology implementations and deliver strategies proven to attract and retain customers.

ABI Research是一家全球性的技术情报公司，拥有得天独厚的优势，充当终端市场公司和技术解决方案提供商之间的桥梁，通过提供独家研究和专业性指导，推动成功的技术实施和提供经证明可吸引和留住客户的战略，无缝连接这两大主体。

For more information about ABI Research’s services, contact us at +1.516.624.2500 in the Americas, +44.203.326.0140 in Europe, +65.6592.0290 in Asia-Pacific, or visit www.abiresearch.com.

Contact Info:
                                                
Global
Jason Scheer
Tel: +1.516.624.2558
pr@abiresearch.com


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