A Double Recognition from Two Leading Industry Magazines

Receiving an award is always something special, but receiving two independent awards at the same time is truly extra special. We are very happy to share that Virtual PLCnext Control and the edge device VL3 UPC 2440 EDGE have each been recognized as Product of the Year 2026 by two respected industry publications. Both awards were decided through separate processes and highlight different aspects of industrial automation, making this achievement particularly meaningful.

Virtual PLCnext Control wins First Place from “Industrial Production”

The magazine Industrial Production has awarded Virtual PLCnext Control first place in the category Automation, Digitalization and Connectivity.

Virtual PLCnext Control offers a software‑based approach to running PLCnext Control functions. Customers can deploy it on IT hardware or industrial PCs and benefit from the same engineering workflow and deterministic behavior known from hardware‑based PLCnext Control. This makes it especially valuable for teams that want to scale performance, evaluate new architectures or integrate automation more closely with their IT environments.

Users particularly appreciate the flexibility this solution provides. They can adjust their setups without replacing hardware, react quickly to changing requirements and maintain established development practices. In other words, Virtual PLCnext Control enables organizations to modernize their automation environments at their own pace while ensuring reliability and consistency.

Edge Device receives Second Place from “Computer & Automation”

In a separate award program, the magazine Computer & Automation has honored the VL3 UPC 2440 EDGE with second place in the category Control.

The edge device is designed for applications where data needs to be processed directly at the machine rather than relying solely on cloud or central systems. It combines industrial‑grade hardware with a Linux environment that supports real‑time control, data handling and analytics. This allows users to gain insights more quickly, ensure stable processes and work with tools that fit their preferred workflows. 

A key advantage for many customers is that Virtual PLCnext Control also runs on the VL3 UPC 2440 EDGE, giving them the option to combine control functions and edge computing within one device. This creates a streamlined setup that reduces integration effort, simplifies engineering and keeps data paths short. For scenarios where responsiveness and transparency are essential, this combination provides a strong foundation.

What This Recognition Means for Real‑World Applications

Although the recognitions come from two different organizations, they point to the same conclusion. Companies are looking for automation technologies that are reliable, flexible and easy to integrate into modern system landscapes. Virtual PLCnext Control and the VL3 UPC 2440 EDGE address these needs in complementary ways. One focuses on software‑based control, the other on powerful edge computing, and together they provide a consistent path for users who aim to modernize their automation architectures.

These awards confirm that openness, scalability and a strong focus on practical customer value remain essential in industrial automation. They also reinforce our commitment to developing solutions that make everyday engineering and system design more efficient.

Thank you!

Last but not least, we would like to close with a sincere thank you. Thank you to everyone who works with these technologies, provides feedback and helps us continuously improve our solutions. We appreciate the trust placed in our products and look forward to supporting many more automation projects in the future. Cheers!

Want a Deep Dive?

Curious to explore the technologies behind our Product of the Year 2026 awards in more detail? No worries, we’ve got you covered.
In the PLCnext Community, you’ll find in‑depth articles, technical deep dives and real‑world insights on:

• Virtual PLCnext Control – Launch Virtual PLCnext Control
• VL3 UPC 2440 EDGE – VL3 UPC 2440 EDGE: The Future of Industrial Edge Computing