Product innovation
Since the CODESYS Group (then 3S-Smart Software Solutions) was founded in 1994, CODESYS has been driving innovation in automation technology. When CODESYS was launched, a portable runtime system was already available to complement the IEC 61131-3 development system. With these two systems, devices could be made CODESYS-compatible within a few days. Shortly thereafter, the next bold step was taken: Instead of portable C code and external compilers, CODESYS generated compiled machine code translated with compilers developed in-house. Another unique feature was the integrated visualization, which was quickly put to use in real-world applications.
IEC 61131-3 and object orientation – pioneering work in standardization
CODESYS has helped shape standards from the very beginning – for example, as a member of organizations such as PLCopen, OPC Foundation, Profibus User Organization, CAN in Automation, and OSADL. The introduction of object-oriented programming (OOP) into the IEC 61131-3 standard was largely initiated and driven by CODESYS: Since the third edition of the standard in 2013, OOP mechanisms such as methods, classes, and keywords such as extends and implements have been integrated. As a result, IEC 61131-3 has evolved from a procedure-oriented specification for PLC programming to a modern and versatile standard for industrial automation solutions. With the integration of object-oriented programming concepts, powerful options are now available for modular, reusable, and scalable software architectures—just as you would expect from modern programming languages.
Hardware independence
With the aim of avoiding hardware dependency, CODESYS develops:
The modular and hardware-independent CODESYS runtime system enables true system consolidation: different control categories (logic, robotics, safety, motion) with a single software base on any hardware.
Virtualization & safety revolution: SIL3 without the need for dedicated hardware
CODESYS Virtual Safe Control SL is a milestone. The virtual safety controller was released in 2024 – completely hardware-independent and certified according to IEC 61508 by TÜV Süd in early 2025. This allows for safety applications to be implemented without the need for costly SIL3-certified hardware. The readers' choice for “Product of the Year 2024” shows how much users have been waiting for such a product.
Interface between IT and workflow transformation
At the same time, development processes in the automation industry were continuously refined and optimized:
These technologies seamlessly integrate PLC engineering with IT best practices and ensure the practical convergence of operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT).
Innovation as part of the corporate culture
Innovation has been part of the CODESYS Group's DNA from the very beginning. The basis for the company's high level of innovation is the decades of experience of our development team. We realize the full potential of this concentrated automation expertise through a corporate culture that encourages creativity and initiative among our employees and helps them develop positive error strategies. We also attach great importance to constructive collaboration within and between teams. Cooperation with universities and research institutions provides us with an important outside perspective.
Products that are now an integral part of the CODESYS portfolio were originally developed during lively discussions at the coffee machine or through initiatives by colleagues who simply wanted to try something new.
However, before we develop an idea into a marketable product, we apply strict standards: Does it actually solve a real problem? Does it make daily work easier or more efficient? Does it enable new ways of working that result in significant benefits?
Examples of such ideas that are now successful products include CODESYS Control for Raspberry Pi, the entire Motion product range, and our protocol stacks.