Rockwell Automation is one of the few PLC manufacturers that can compete with Siemens. The bus technology led by Rockwell is EtherNET/IP, and the well-known brand AB is a subsidiary of Rockwell. AB is renowned as an inventor of PLCs, alongside Schneider’s Modicon, making Rockwell a pioneer in the PLC industry. Although AB’s PLCs have a small market share in China, they hold significant influence globally, consistently leading the development and innovation of PLCs. While AB’s PLCs may be limited in the domestic market, they excel in the high-end segment, with large redundant PLCs essentially synonymous with the AB brand.
Rockwell PLCs are known for their powerful communication capabilities, ease of use, and relatively user-friendly software. While Rockwell PLCs are generally more expensive than Siemens PLCs, they offer better stability. The main types of Rockwell programmable controllers include large control systems, medium control systems, Micro & Nano control systems, and safety programmable controllers. Series such as CompactLogix and ControlLogix are very popular.
AB has an absolute advantage in the large PLC market. Rockwell’s hardware is solid and reliable, with timely software updates and convenient programming. Its high-end performance is exceptionally robust, allowing medium and large PLCs to facilitate various communications, wiring, and control easily. In this regard, Rockwell is on par with Siemens. Rockwell is upgrading and transforming industries in China, including automotive, tire, mining, metallurgy, cement, oil and gas, chemicals, life sciences, semiconductors, and fast-moving consumer goods, promoting clean energy, low carbon, safety, and efficient utilization, fully supporting China’s carbon neutrality goals and making the world more sustainable.
PLC is just a small business unit of Rockwell. The company’s foundation lies in heavy industry. Rockwell International Corporation was formerly North American Aviation, founded in 1928. During World War II, North American Aviation produced over 15,000 AT-6 trainer aircraft and introduced the B-25 bomber and P-51 fighter in 1940.
In the 1960s, North American Aviation manufactured rocket launch devices and spacecraft for the Apollo space program. In 1967, it merged with Rockwell Standard Company to form North American Rockwell Corporation. In 1970, it won the contract to develop the B-1 bomber and in 1972, the contract for the Space Shuttle orbiter. In 1973, it acquired Collins Electronics and changed its name to the current one. As the main contractor for the B-1B strategic bomber, it manufactured 100 B-1B bombers in the 1980s, all delivered by early 1988.
In 1970, it won the contract to develop the B-1 bomber, and in 1972, it won the contract to develop the Space Shuttle orbiter. In 1973, it acquired Collins Electronics and changed its name to the current one. As the main contractor for the B-1B strategic bomber, it manufactured 100 B-1B bombers in the 1980s, all delivered by early 1988.
In 1996, the company underwent a significant strategic transformation, selling its aerospace and defense division to Boeing. In March 1997, the company announced the sale of its automotive components systems division, which had nearly $3.1 billion in sales in 1996. Following this series of changes, Rockwell became a leading electronic company in industrial automation, semiconductor systems, avionics systems, and communication systems.
