PLC Systems in Practice: How Innovative Machine Control is Changing Manufacturing
12.05.2026
On May 7, students and those interested in modern technologies met at the Institute of Electrical Engineering, Automation, Informatics and Physics of the Faculty of Technology of the Slovak University of Applied Sciences in Nitra for a fascinating lecture. The main speaker was engineer Juraj Bielesch from B[&]R Automation. In cooperation with the event organizer, associate professor Martin Olejár from the Faculty of Engineering, he explained how programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and innovative solutions drive real production. The lecture was not just theory - students were able to touch a real machine and see it in action.
What are PLCs and why are they key in production?
PLC systems are the "brains" of industrial machines. Imagine them as intelligent control units that monitor sensors, make decisions in real time and control motors, valves or conveyors. Compared to ordinary computers, PLC systems are extremely resistant to dust, vibrations and heat - ideal for factories. Engineer Bielesch explained how the company integrates these systems into entire production lines, from car factories to the food industry.
Live demonstration: Levitating conveyor and real-world applications
The biggest highlight was the interactive part. The students got to see a part of a levitating conveyor live – a futuristic system where materials move without mechanical contact thanks to magnets and precise control. “The system can move materials very quickly in three directions, it can tilt them, rotate them and measure their weight, it’s like Harry Potter in a factory,” said J. Bielesch with a smile. At the same time, he showed how this principle saves energy, increases accuracy and offers endless possibilities for using the system. In addition, he presented a wide range of real-world applications – automated assembly lines in the automotive industry, where PLC systems synchronize robots and sensors, and the control of packaging machines in the food industry, which pack thousands of products per hour without errors. He also presented smart conveyors in large warehouses that optimize logistics using AI elements and energy systems where PLC systems monitor consumption and prevent outages.
Associate Professor Martin Olejár emphasized the importance of such practical demonstrations. "Our students have the opportunity to see how theory comes to life in practice. B[&]R Automation is a leader in automation and cooperation with them opens the door to the world of Industry 4.0 and innovations in the field of industrial automation," he said. The lecture showed that PLC systems are not just about code - they are about reliability, efficiency and sustainability. In a world where production must be fast, green and flexible, such smart systems are a necessity. The students left inspired, with new contacts and a desire to program their own solutions, he assessed.
