Automation Studio Reviews, Pricing, Features & Alternatives in 2026
Automation Studio is a unified engineering software environment that provides a single tool for controlling, visualizing, and configuring all your industrial automation components and robotic systems in one place.
Automation Studio is the integrated engineering environment for B&R automation components. You can manage every aspect of your machine's lifecycle—from controller programming and drive configuration to HMI design and safety functions—within a single workspace. This unified approach eliminates the need to switch between different tools, helping you reduce development time and maintain consistency across your entire hardware fleet.
You can develop complex applications using standard languages like C, C++, or IEC 61131-3 while simulating your entire machine in a virtual environment before any hardware arrives. This allows you to catch errors early and optimize performance without risking physical equipment. Whether you are building high-speed packaging lines or complex robotic cells, the platform provides the modularity you need to scale your designs efficiently.
Screenshots & Interface
Key Features
Stop juggling multiple software tools for your machine builds. Automation Studio provides a central hub where you can program, test, and deploy your entire automation project using these core capabilities:
Unified Engineering
Configure your controllers, drives, HMI, and safety components in one environment to ensure total system compatibility.
Hardware Simulation
Test your code on a virtual twin of your machine to identify bugs and optimize cycles without physical hardware.
Multi-Language Support
Write your logic in C, C++, or any IEC 61131-3 language to match your team's existing programming expertise.
Modular Software Architecture
Create reusable software components that you can easily deploy across different machine variants to save development time.
Integrated Diagnostics
Access real-time system data and trace variables remotely to troubleshoot performance issues and minimize machine downtime.
Visual HMI Design
Build modern, web-based operator interfaces using drag-and-drop tools that look great on any industrial touch screen.
Integrations
MATLAB
Simulink
Git
Subversion
SAP
Microsoft Azure
Pricing Plans
Automation Studio uses a professional licensing model tailored to your specific engineering requirements. You can typically start with a trial version to explore the interface before committing to a full development license. Because the software is tied to B&R hardware ecosystems, you'll need to contact a representative for a quote based on your seat requirements and maintenance needs.
Pros & Cons
Based on feedback from automation engineers and system integrators, here is what you can expect when using this platform for your industrial projects:
Pros
Single environment for all hardware components
Excellent simulation capabilities reduce commissioning time
Supports standard high-level programming languages
Highly stable performance for complex machinery
Cons
Steep learning curve for new users
Proprietary to B&R hardware ecosystems
Documentation can be dense for beginners
Who Should Use Automation Studio?
Perfect for mechanical and electrical engineers at OEMs who need to program and simulate complex, high-performance industrial machinery.
Best for Company Sizes
mid-market
enterprise
Popular Industries
manufacturing
automotive
packaging
Our Verdict
Automation Studio is a powerhouse for anyone already working within the B&R hardware ecosystem. You get a level of integration that is hard to find elsewhere, allowing you to move from logic to motion control and HMI design without ever leaving the application.
While the learning curve is significant, the ability to simulate your entire machine virtually is a massive time-saver for complex builds. Highly recommended if you are an OEM or system integrator looking for a professional-grade, all-in-one engineering suite to manage high-speed production equipment.
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