Universal Automation - A call for change

The Universal Automation Manifesto outlines Schneider Electric’s vision for a new era of industrial automation—one that breaks free from proprietary, hardware-bound systems and embraces a shared-source, software-defined approach. By decoupling software from hardware and adopting the IEC 61499 standard, universal automation enables true portability, interoperability, and plug-and-produce capabilities across vendors and platforms. This open, collaborative model empowers industry stakeholders to innovate faster, reduce engineering complexity, and unlock the full potential of Industry 4.0.