B&R Industrial Automation (ABB Group)v4.12Updated 2026Free Trial Available
Automation Studio: Download, Pricing & System Requirements
B&R Automation Studio is B&R Industrial Automation (ABB Group)'s 4-language PLC programming environment supporting X20, X90, APC and more. Released 2000, latest update 2024-08.
Pricing
$$
USD 1 000 – 8 000
Difficulty
Intermediate
4-6 months
OS
Windows 11
4+ GB RAM
Languages
LAD, FBD, ST, SFC
IEC 61131-3
In one minute
Automation Studio is best for high-speed packaging machinery and food and beverage processing. Strong in packaging and high-speed automation, growing globally under ABB. Adoption is medium (45% market share) across Europe and North America.
Capability profile
Six-axis score (0–100) based on pricing, learning curve, hardware support, adoption, community, and feature depth.
Key features
Integrated development environment
ANSI C and C++ programming support
Advanced motion control (ARNC0, ACP10)
Integrated safety programming (openSAFETY)
Machine vision integration (Mapp Vision)
Powerful HMI development (Mapp View)
Real-time diagnostics and tracing
Version control and project management
Simulation and virtual commissioning
Modular software framework (Mapp Technology)
Cloud connectivity and remote access
Pricing & licensing
| Tier | $$ |
| Price range | USD 1 000 – 8 000 |
| Pricing model | perpetual license |
| Free trial | Yes — 30 days |
| Educational discount | Yes |
Competitive pricing for comprehensive features. Educational licenses available for qualified institutions.
System requirements
| Operating systems | Windows 7, Windows 10, Windows 11 |
| Minimum RAM | 4 GB |
| Recommended RAM | 8 GB |
| Disk space | 20 GB |
| Processor | Multi-core recommended |
Simulation features benefit from more RAM and faster CPU
Supported hardware
PLC families
- • X20
- • X90
- • APC
- • Power Panel
Capabilities
- ✓ HMI integration
- ✓ SCADA integration
- ✓ Variable frequency drives
- ✓ Safety programming
- ✓ Motion control
- ✓ Robotics integration
Pros
- +Excellent for high-speed packaging machinery
- +Strong motion control capabilities
- +Modern development environment
- +C/C++ programming option for complex logic
- +Integrated safety programming
- +Good simulation and testing tools
- +ABB backing provides global support
- +Modular software framework (Mapp) saves time
- +Growing community and adoption
Cons
- −Less common than Siemens/Rockwell (fewer jobs)
- −Smaller user community
- −Limited third-party resources
- −Not as widely taught in schools
- −B&R hardware can be expensive
- −Learning curve for Mapp framework
- −Less documentation in some languages
- −Certification options limited
Best for
High-speed packaging machinery
Food and beverage processing
Pharmaceutical manufacturing
Complex motion control applications
Track systems and transport solutions
Machine vision integrated systems
Compare Automation Studio with…
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Certifications & training
B&R Certified Technician/Engineer (Basic, Advanced, Expert). Cost tier: $$.
Training providers: B&R training centers, ABB training facilities.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Automation Studio cost?
Automation Studio pricing falls in the $$ tier (USD 1 000 – 8 000). Competitive pricing for comprehensive features. Educational licenses available for qualified institutions.
How do I download Automation Studio?
Automation Studio offers a 30 days free trial. Download from the official B&R Industrial Automation (ABB Group) website. A licensed copy ranges from USD 1 000 – 8 000 depending on edition and add-ons.
What are the system requirements for Automation Studio?
Automation Studio runs on Windows 7, Windows 10, Windows 11 with a minimum of 4 GB RAM (8 GB recommended) and 20 GB of disk space.
Which PLCs does Automation Studio support?
Automation Studio supports B&R Automation (ABB) controllers, including X20, X90, APC, Power Panel.
Is Automation Studio hard to learn?
Automation Studio is rated Intermediate difficulty. Typical learning time is 4-6 months. Prerequisites: Basic PLC knowledge, Understanding of C programming helpful.
Does Automation Studio support all five IEC 61131-3 languages?
Automation Studio supports LAD, FBD, ST, SFC from the IEC 61131-3 standard.