Here's an article at Linux Planet about using Ethernet-enabled I/O modules and Linux automate manufacturing processes. The modules mount directly on a machine, and are controlled from a PC or PLC using standard 'ladder logic' programming techniques . . .

“Traditional control of industrial processes has been carried out by small special purpose-built microprocessor based systems called PLCs, also known as programmable logic controllers. They have very fast cycle times and essentially run in an endless loop looking at inputs, making decisions and controlling outputs . . . PLCs are the quick thinking brains of the industrial automation world . . . But what happens when you're going to design a manufacturing process that doesn't need insane real-time performance?”

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