Automation Studio vs CX-Programmer
Comprehensive comparison of two leading PLC programming platforms
Automation Studio
B&R Industrial Automation (ABB Group)
Excellent for high-speed packaging machinery
CX-Programmer
Omron
Easy to learn and use
Overall Winner
CX-Programmer leads with an overall score of 77/100
CX-Programmer is the stronger overall choice with better community support. However, Automation Studio may be preferable if you prioritize community support or if you're already committed to the B&R Industrial Automation (ABB Group) ecosystem.
Score Breakdown
| Category | Automation Studio | CX-Programmer |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 70 | 77✓ |
| Pricing | 75 | 75 |
| Ease of Use | 50 | 80✓ |
| Features | 84 | 84 |
| Industry Adoption | 55 | 65✓ |
| Community Support | 91 | 91 |
| Career Value | 68 | 68 |
Real-World Scenario Recommendations
See how Automation Studio and CX-Programmer perform in specific industry scenarios to help guide your decision.
Small Machine Builder
OEM building compact machines with 50-200 I/O points, typically for niche markets or specialized applications
Automation Studio
Excellent choice for small OEMs focused on packaging, food processing, or pharmaceutical machinery. B&R (now ABB) Automation Studio licensing ($1,000-$8,000) is reasonable, and the Mapp Technology framework dramatically accelerates development. These pre-built function blocks handle common packaging tasks (conveyor control, recipe management, batch processing) that would take weeks to program from...
CX-Programmer
Solid choice for small OEMs, especially in Asia-Pacific or material handling sectors. CX-Programmer (part of CX-One suite) licensing is affordable ($1,000-$5,000), and Omron CP/CJ series controllers offer good performance at competitive prices. The learning curve is gentle (2-3 months), enabling fast productivity. Omron's strength in sensors, vision systems, and robotics means excellent integratio...
Key Considerations:
- •Per-machine software licensing cost vs expected production volume
- •Time-to-market pressure - can you afford 6+ month learning curves?
- •Target customer geography and brand preferences
- •Hardware cost optimization - some platforms offer cheaper controllers
Automotive Tier 1 Supplier
Tier 1 automotive supplier providing systems and components directly to OEM vehicle manufacturers (VW, BMW, GM, Ford, Toyota, etc.)
Automation Studio
Strategic choice for Tier 1 suppliers specializing in specific automotive sectors where B&R excels: automotive paint shops (B&R has strong track record in paint atomizer control), electric vehicle battery assembly (precision handling and traceability), and automotive glass manufacturing. ABB's ownership of B&R (since 2017) has strengthened automotive credentials. The Automation Studio licensing ($...
CX-Programmer
Limited use in automotive Tier 1 space, primarily for Asian automotive suppliers working with Japanese OEMs where Omron has relationships. CX-Programmer with CP/CJ series PLCs can be cost-effective for ancillary systems, but most automotive assembly lines use more established platforms. The newer Sysmac Studio has better automotive credibility. If working with Japanese automotive companies, verify...
Key Considerations:
- •Customer-specified platforms are non-negotiable - verify before any engineering investment
- •Long-term parts availability (15-20 years) is critical for automotive
- •Safety certifications (SIL 2/SIL 3) must be well-established and accepted
- •Customer's plant maintenance teams must be trained on your platform
Process Industry (Chemical, Oil & Gas, Pharma)
Continuous process control in chemical plants, refineries, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and other process industries requiring high reliability and regulatory compliance
Automation Studio
Limited process industry adoption despite B&R's capabilities. The Automation Studio platform is primarily oriented toward discrete manufacturing and packaging. While technically capable of process control, the ecosystem lacks deep integration with process instrumentation and safety systems common in chemical, oil and gas, or pharmaceutical applications. The market positioning doesn't emphasize pro...
CX-Programmer
Minimal process industry adoption. Omron's market focus is discrete manufacturing and packaging, not process industries. While technically capable of process control, the ecosystem lacks integration with process field instrumentation, safety systems, and industry-specific certifications. Not recommended for chemical, oil and gas, or pharmaceutical applications. Potentially acceptable for food and ...
Key Considerations:
- •Redundancy and high availability are mandatory for critical processes
- •Safety certifications (SIL 2/SIL 3) for emergency shutdown systems
- •Long-term vendor support (20-30 year plant lifecycles)
- •Integration with process instrumentation and field devices
💰Pricing Comparison
Both Automation Studio and CX-Programmer are in the same price range ($$). Automation Studio pricing ranges from $1 000 to $8 000, while CX-Programmer ranges from $1 000 to $5 000.
📚Learning Curve
CX-Programmer (rated 4/10) is easier to learn than Automation Studio (rated 6/10). CX-Programmer typically takes 2-3 months to learn, while Automation Studio requires 4-6 months. This makes CX-Programmer better for beginners.
⚙️Features & Capabilities
Automation Studio offers 11 key features including safety programming, motion control, robotics integration. CX-Programmer provides 11 key features with safety programming, motion control, robotics integration. Both platforms offer a comprehensive feature set for industrial automation.
🏭Industry Adoption
CX-Programmer has 50% market adoption compared to Automation Studio's 45%. CX-Programmer dominates in Asia-Pacific, Europe, North America, while Automation Studio is strongest in Europe, North America, Asia-Pacific. CX-Programmer's higher adoption means more job opportunities and community resources.
🔌Hardware Compatibility
Automation Studio is designed specifically for B&R Automation (ABB) hardware, while CX-Programmer works with Omron PLCs. Both are vendor-specific solutions optimized for their respective hardware ecosystems.
💼Career Prospects
Both Automation Studio and CX-Programmer offer similar career value with certification programs. Knowledge of either platform will open automation career opportunities.
Automation Studio Overview
Key Strengths
- ✓Excellent for high-speed packaging machinery
- ✓Strong motion control capabilities
- ✓Modern development environment
- ✓C/C++ programming option for complex logic
Limitations
- ✗Less common than Siemens/Rockwell (fewer jobs)
- ✗Smaller user community
- ✗Limited third-party resources
Best For
CX-Programmer Overview
Key Strengths
- ✓Easy to learn and use
- ✓Affordable pricing
- ✓Good simulation capabilities
- ✓Strong in material handling and robotics
Limitations
- ✗Less common in North America than Siemens/Rockwell
- ✗Smaller community than major competitors
- ✗Fewer job postings in some regions
Best For
Recommendations
For Beginners
CX-Programmer
For Professionals
Both are suitable
Budget-Constrained
Both are suitable
Enterprise Use
Both are suitable
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: Automation Studio or CX-Programmer?
CX-Programmer is the stronger overall choice with better community support. However, Automation Studio may be preferable if you prioritize community support or if you're already committed to the B&R Industrial Automation (ABB Group) ecosystem.
What is the price difference between Automation Studio and CX-Programmer?
Both Automation Studio and CX-Programmer are in the same price range ($$). Automation Studio pricing ranges from $1 000 to $8 000, while CX-Programmer ranges from $1 000 to $5 000.
Which is easier to learn: Automation Studio or CX-Programmer?
CX-Programmer (rated 4/10) is easier to learn than Automation Studio (rated 6/10). CX-Programmer typically takes 2-3 months to learn, while Automation Studio requires 4-6 months. This makes CX-Programmer better for beginners.
Which has better career prospects?
Both Automation Studio and CX-Programmer offer similar career value with certification programs. Knowledge of either platform will open automation career opportunities.