<p>➀ Virtual PLCs (vPLCs) are software-based controllers that replace traditional hardware PLCs, operating on industrial PCs/cloud servers for enhanced flexibility and scalability;</p><p>➁ They utilize real-time systems, industrial protocols (EtherCAT, PROFINET), and IIoT/edge computing to enable predictive maintenance and smart manufacturing;</p><p>➂ While offering cost efficiency and innovation potential, limitations in deterministic performance and hardware dependencies suggest hybrid models will dominate future industrial automation.</p>