Authors:
Z. Pineda-Rico, U. Pineda-Rico, J. L. Argüelles Ojeda
Abstract:
This work presents a cost-effective approach to implementing programmable logic controllers (PLCs) for educational use, using commercial microcontrollers (Arduino UNO, ESP8266 NodeMCU) and a Raspberry Pi configured with open-source software. The objective is to provide accessible training resources for automation and control in settings with limited resources, where conventional PLCs are often unaffordable. The proposed architecture integrates with Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) platforms, enabling students to gain practical experience in PLC programming, human–machine interface (HMI) development, and cloud-based monitoring. A case study of an automatic water tank filling system demonstrates the system’s ability to perform real-time control, communication via Modbus, and data storage through Node-RED and InfluxDB Cloud. Educational validation was carried out with a small group of engineering students (n = 6), who highlighted the system’s usefulness, accessibility, and realism for learning industrial automation. While preliminary, the findings support the platform’s potential as a hands-on teaching tool. The results indicate that low-cost, open-source PLC configurations can effectively bridge the gap between theory and practice, fostering inclusive training opportunities in automation and IIoT.