PC-Based Automation Market - Size, Share, Industry Trends, and Forecasts (2025-2032)

By Offering:

Based on offering, the market is segmented into hardware and software.

Trends in the offering:

• The growing need for comprehensive support services and increasing complexity of automation systems are driving the growth of the segment.
• There is a growing trend towards using application programming interfaces (APIs) to connect different software applications and automation systems. This enables more flexible and scalable solutions, while driving the PC-based automation market growth.
• Thus, the aforementioned factors are driving the PC-based automation market demand.

The hardware segment accounted for the largest revenue in the year 2024.

• The hardware segment includes various physical devices and equipment such as industrial PCs, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), and human machine interfaces (HMIs).
• The demand for robust and reliable hardware solutions is driven by the need for precise control and monitoring of industrial processes.
• Moreover, industrial PCs are widely used in automation systems due to their high processing power, durability, and ability to withstand harsh industrial environments.
• Additionally, the continuous advancements in hardware technology, such as the development of compact and energy-efficient devices, are driving the segment.
• For instance, in June 2021, Beckhoff launched the C7015 ultra-compact Industrial PC. This model is a high-performance, space-saving industrial computer built for demanding automation tasks. It highlights the growing need for compact yet powerful hardware solutions, which are crucial for modern automation systems that require significant processing power.
• Thus, based on the above analysis, these factors are further driving the PC-based automation market growth and trends.

The software segment is anticipated to register the fastest CAGR during the forecast period.

• Software solutions such as supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA), distributed control systems (DCS), and manufacturing execution systems (MES) are essential for the efficient operation of automation systems.
• These software solutions provide real-time data analysis, process visualization, and remote monitoring capabilities, enabling industries to optimize their operations and improve decision-making.
• The increasing adoption of advanced software solutions and integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies are expected to drive the growth of this segment.
• Therefore, based on the above analysis, these developments are expected to drive the PC-based automation market share and trends during the forecast period.

By Component:

Based on component, the market is segmented into programmable logic controller (PLC), human machine interface (HMI), SCADA, and others.

Trends in the component:

• The need for efficiency, precision, and safety in various industrial operations has propelled the adoption of PLCs and HMIs.
• The integration of advanced technologies such as the internet of things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI) into PLC systems also contributes to the market's expansion, enabling smarter and more connected industrial processes.
• Based on the above analysis, these factors are anticipated to further drive the PC-based automation market trends during the forecast period.

The programmable logic controller (PLC) segment accounted for the largest revenue share of 47.92% in the year 2024, and it is expected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period.

• The capability of PLCs to integrate and manage complex automation processes makes them necessary in modern industrial settings.
• As industries continue to evolve towards digitization, the need for PLCs that can support these advanced functionalities is expected to increase, thus driving the segment development.
• For instance, in April 2023, Siemens expanded its Simatic range with the Simatic S7-1500V controller, a new offering designed to meet specific market needs, such as virtualizing PLC computing.
• Thus, based on the above analysis, these factors would further supplement the PC-based automation market trends.

By Application:

Based on application, the PC-based automation market is segmented into manufacturing, medical, retail, energy and utilities, transportation, building automation, and others.

Trends in the application:

• The increasing adoption of cloud computing, big data analytics, and IoT technologies is expected to further drive the need for PC-based automation solutions in the various end-use industries.
• The growing trend of e-commerce and increasing focus on omnichannel retailing are further driving the need for automation solutions in the retail sector. Thus, the above factors are driving the global market.

The manufacturing segment accounted for the largest revenue share in the market in the year 2024.

• The manufacturing sector is one of the largest end-users, driven by the need for efficient and precise manufacturing processes.
• Industries such as automotive, aerospace & defense, and energy & utilities are increasingly adopting PC-based automation systems to enhance their productivity, reduce operational costs, and improve product quality.
• Moreover, the integration of advanced automation technologies, such as robotics and AI, is enabling manufacturers to achieve higher levels of automation and efficiency.
• Thus, the aforementioned factors are driving the global market.

The energy and utilities segment are anticipated to register the fastest CAGR during the forecast period.

• The energy & utilities sector is driven by an increasing demand for efficiency, sustainability, and the real-time management of energy systems.
• The proliferation of IoT devices in the energy sector (smart meters, sensors on grid assets) requires strong PC-based platforms that can seamlessly collect data and control these distributed intelligent endpoints.
• As energy systems evolve with new technologies (renewables, EV charging infrastructure), PC-based solutions offer inherent flexibility to adapt to changing requirements and easily scale up or down as needed.
• Thus, the above factors are expected to drive the global

Regional Analysis:

The global market has been classified by region into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and Latin America.

Asia Pacific PC-based automation market expansion is estimated to reach over USD 15.56 billion by 2032 from a value of USD 9.99 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow by USD 10.36 billion in 2025. Out of this, the China market accounted for the maximum revenue share of 30.90%. The regional growth can be attributed to the rapid industrialization, increasing investments in automation technologies, and growing adoption of smart manufacturing practices. Countries such as China, India, and Japan are key contributors to the market development in the Asia Pacific region. Further, the expanding manufacturing sector, coupled with government initiatives to promote industrial automation, is fueling the demand for automation solutions. These factors would further drive the regional PC-based automation market during the forecast period.

• For instance, in December 2023, Advantech launched the ARK-3533, a compact edge computer designed for kiosks and robotics. It provides intelligent control management and integrates seamlessly with other systems, offering robust performance and rugged features for various industries.

North America market is estimated to reach over USD 16.56 billion by 2032 from a value of USD 11.25 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow by USD 11.62 billion in 2025. The strong industrial base, coupled with the increasing investments in automation technologies, is propelling the demand for automation solutions in the region. Further, the rising focus on digital transformation and integration of smart manufacturing practices are driving the market prospects. These factors would further drive the regional market during the forecast period.

Additionally, according to the analysis, the PC-based automation industry in Europe is expected to witness significant development during the forecast period. The need for efficient and precise manufacturing processes is driving the adoption of PC-based automation solutions in this region. Additionally, the increasing focus on digitalization, coupled with the integration of advanced automation technologies, is expected to further drive the Latin American market. Further, as countries across the Middle East and African regions push for diversification of their economies and develop robust manufacturing sectors, there is an increased need for efficient and modernized production processes. These factors are driving the regional PC-based automation market size and share.