# Exploring PLC and Robot Integration with YRG Robotics Chris Elston

- Show: [The Robot Report Podcast](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast)
- Published: 2026-05-23
- Length: 55m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2026-05-23-exploring-plc-and-robot-integration-with-yrg-robotics-chris-elston
- Listen: https://soundcloud.com/robot-report-podcast/exploring-plc-and-robot

## Summary

Chris Elston, Chief Robotics Manager at Yamaha Robotics Group (YRG) and founder of Mr. PLC, discusses the enduring relevance of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) in modern automation. He explains how YRG simplifies integration for controls engineers through Add-On Instructions (AOIs) and function blocks that allow ladder logic to control robots and read real-time data like amperage for predictive maintenance. Elston also assesses the current limitations of AI in generating ladder logic while highlighting its potential for debugging and anomaly detection via Python drivers.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2026-05-23-exploring-plc-and-robot-integration-with-yrg-robotics-chris-elston#t=0) Introduction and News: Humanoid Robot Air Travel and Honeywell Divestiture
- [18:32](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2026-05-23-exploring-plc-and-robot-integration-with-yrg-robotics-chris-elston#t=1112) Chris Elston's Background and the Mr. PLC Community
- [21:30](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2026-05-23-exploring-plc-and-robot-integration-with-yrg-robotics-chris-elston#t=1290) The Enduring Role of PLCs and Real-Time Control
- [24:09](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2026-05-23-exploring-plc-and-robot-integration-with-yrg-robotics-chris-elston#t=1449) PLC vs. Robot Controller Architecture and Integration Challenges
- [35:11](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2026-05-23-exploring-plc-and-robot-integration-with-yrg-robotics-chris-elston#t=2111) YRG's Approach: Add-On Instructions and Ladder Logic Programming
- [39:11](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2026-05-23-exploring-plc-and-robot-integration-with-yrg-robotics-chris-elston#t=2351) AI in Automation: Ladder Logic Generation and Debugging
- [44:52](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2026-05-23-exploring-plc-and-robot-integration-with-yrg-robotics-chris-elston#t=2692) Simulation Tools and Advice for New Engineers

## Topics

- [Embedded firmware](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/embedded-firmware)
- [AI & machine learning](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/ai-and-machine-learning)
- [Scaling production](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/scaling-production)
- [Debugging & failure analysis](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/debugging-and-failure-analysis)
- [Hiring & workforce](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/hiring-and-workforce)

## Most relevant to

established companies

## Mentioned

- Yamaha Robotics Group (company)
- Mr. PLC (other)
- Locust (company)
- Nexaro Robotics (company)
- Honeywell (company)
- Intelligrated (company)
- Unitree (company)
- Rockwell (company)
- Siemens (company)
- Visual Components (tool)
- Claude (other)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Embedded Systems and IoT Connectivity: Lessons from Automate 2024](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/over-the-air/2024-05-22-embedded-systems-and-iot-connectivity-lessons-from-automate-2024) (Over the Air)
- [Electronica 24: The Rise of AI-Powered Robotics at Fideltronik and Beyond](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2024-12-09-electronica-24-the-rise-of-ai-powered-robotics-at-fideltronik-and-beyond) (EMS@C-LEVEL)
- [223: The State of Automation Halfway Through the Decade, Live from the 2025 A3 Business Forum](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2025-02-11-223-the-state-of-automation-halfway-through-the-decade-live-from-the-2025-a3-bus) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)
- [Leadership Perspectives on Robotics, Highlights from Automate LIVE in Detroit, MI](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2023-05-09-leadership-perspectives-on-robotics-highlights-from-automate-live-in-detroit-mi) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)
- [An Interview with John Davis](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2018-03-26-an-interview-with-john-davis) (The Amp Hour)

## Citing this page

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