i-PRO showcased solutions at the Industry Open Network 2026 exhibition in Japan for connecting AI cameras to programmable logic controllers (PLCs) through the Connected PLC platform. The core idea is to enable the system to record images associated with PLC operating conditions and alarms, allowing a review of what happened during faults or operational changes instead of relying solely on textual indicators.
The platform connects the camera to the PLC unit via a LAN network cable, without the need for dedicated control equipment or major program modifications, as was common in some event-recording applications. According to the demonstration, the system can be configured to record the scene when an alarm occurs or a state changes, and the recording can then be used to identify the point of failure or verify operating conditions. i-PRO also indicated support for a number of major PLC manufacturers.
What Changes in Practice?
The change lies not simply in adding a camera to a production line, but in linking control data to a reviewable visual record. When the alarm is recorded with synchronized images, the operator or maintenance team can compare the equipment's condition with the recorded event, which may reduce reliance on manually reconstructing the incident. i-PRO also presented an approach to expanding cooperation with factory equipment manufacturers and providers of automation protocol services.
The company also showcased a software PLC called INTALOGIC5, which includes integration with an artificial intelligence agent. The agent can read PLC addresses and operating status through an MCP server, then answer user questions about the current status, with the ability to execute changes such as switching between RUN and STOP modes in accordance with the approved permissions and settings.
INTALOGIC5 consists of the INTALOGIC5 Editor development tool and the INTALOGIC5 Run runtime environment, and operates on platforms ranging from microcontrollers to personal computers. It also supports IEC 61131-3 languages, including ALD, FBD, and AST, with the ability to convert ladder programs into a binary format and retain them in text format, making it easier for the artificial intelligence agent to read, analyze, and suggest changes to them.
From Vision to Automated Modification
According to the demonstration, the agent can execute changes based on the equipment's condition, set up tracking necessary for troubleshooting, and save change logs when a fault occurs. However, these capabilities place auditability and permission control at the center of practical implementation, particularly when the integration extends from querying to modifying the program or operating status.
Other demonstrations included solutions from Yaskawa Electric, Yokogawa Electric, and FANUC, reflecting a broader trend toward software PLCs, the integration of artificial intelligence functions, and reduced reliance on dedicated hardware. However, the available material does not establish a comprehensive commercial release of all capabilities or provide details on pricing and availability, nor does it present independent performance measurements; therefore, the current value of these solutions remains tied to factories' ability to integrate them safely with existing control systems.