Automation Studio
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.
GX Works3
GX Works3 is a comprehensive configuration and programming software designed to simplify the setup, maintenance, and operation of Mitsubishi Electric MELSEC iQ-R and iQ-F series programmable logic controllers.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Automation Studio | GX Works3 |
|---|---|---|
| Website | br-automation.com | mitsubishielectric.com |
| Pricing Model | Custom | One_time |
| Starting Price | Custom Pricing | Custom Pricing |
| FREE Trial | ✓ 90 days free trial | ✓ 30 days free trial |
| Free Plan | ✘ No free plan | ✘ No free plan |
| Product Demo | ✓ Request demo here | ✓ Request demo here |
| Deployment | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Target Users | ||
| Target Industries | ||
| Customer Count | 0 | 0 |
| Founded Year | 1979 | 1921 |
| Headquarters | Eggelsberg, Austria | Tokyo, Japan |
Overview
Automation Studio
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.
GX Works3
GX Works3 is the latest generation of system design and programming software from Mitsubishi Electric, specifically built for the MELSEC iQ-R and iQ-F series. You can manage your entire automation lifecycle—from initial system design and hardware configuration to complex programming and long-term maintenance—within a single, integrated environment. The software focuses on reducing engineering costs by providing a highly intuitive, graphics-based configuration tool that lets you visualize your hardware setup instantly.
You can choose from multiple programming languages like Ladder, Structured Text, and Function Block Diagram to suit your specific project needs. The platform includes a powerful simulation engine, allowing you to test your code and hardware logic in a virtual environment before deploying to the factory floor. This helps you catch errors early, reduce commissioning time, and ensure your industrial processes run smoothly from day one.
Overview
Automation Studio Features
- 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.
GX Works3 Features
- Module Configuration. Drag and drop hardware components to create a visual representation of your system while the software handles internal addressing automatically.
- Integrated Simulation. Test your program logic and monitor device states in a virtual PLC environment without needing any physical hardware on your desk.
- Multi-Language Support. Write your code using Ladder, Structured Text, or Function Block Diagrams, and even mix different languages within the same project.
- Global Label Management. Create and share labels across different program parts and even other software like GT Works3 to ensure data consistency.
- System Monitor. Troubleshoot your system in real-time with detailed diagnostic tools that highlight errors and provide suggested solutions for quick recovery.
- Safety Configuration. Set up and manage your safety CPU and remote I/O modules within the same interface to simplify your safety logic implementation.
Pricing Comparison
Automation Studio Pricing
GX Works3 Pricing
Pros & Cons
Automation Studio
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
GX Works3
Pros
- Intuitive graphical interface simplifies complex hardware configuration
- Powerful simulation tools reduce on-site commissioning time
- Seamless integration with other Mitsubishi Electric automation hardware
- Extensive library of pre-built function blocks saves time
- Robust diagnostic tools make troubleshooting significantly faster
Cons
- Large installation size requires significant disk space
- High initial license cost for small shops
- Learning curve when transitioning from older GX Works2