The ctrlX Automation platform eradicates the traditional boundaries between machine control systems, IT and the Internet of Things. Centralized and decentralized automation topologies can be created flexibly with the scalable platform, which features a Linux real-time operating system, open standards, app programming technology, Web-based engineering and a comprehensive IoT connection. The platform encompasses the latest engineering software technologies and all PLC and motion tasks. Software functions can be combined in any number of ways with ready-made, customized and customizable apps. These apps can be created in a variety of programming languages such as C++, script languages such as Python or graphical languages such as Blockly.