Students develop award winning AI platform that simplifies industrial PLC programming

A team of Indian students, which developed an artificial intelligence–based platform that simplifies industrial programmable Logic Controller (PLC) programming, has won the Gold Cup at the Mitsubishi Electric Cup.

Team Nexus AI developed a system that allows users to describe machine control logic in natural language, which is then automatically converted into Structured Text code — a modern alternative to conventional ladder logic programming.

Over months of development, the students built a robust AI platform capable of generating executable control programs for Mitsubishi Electric IQ-F (FX5U) PLCs.

The innovation was validated through a fully operational Automated Dip Dyeing Machine, powered entirely by AI-generated control code produced by the Nexus AI platform and executed using Mitsubishi Electric industrial automation hardware including PLCs, HMIs, servo motors and FA components.

At the final round held at the MIT Pune campus, the system underwent intensive evaluation by an eight-member jury comprising automation programmers, ladder-logic specialists and Mitsubishi Electric R& D engineers.