Virtual machine described in the paper is a runtime program for controllers in small distributed systems. The machine executes intermediate universal code similar to an assembler, compiled in CPDev engineering environment from source programs written in control languages of IEC 61131-3 standard. The machine is implemented as a C program, so it can run on different target platforms. Data formats and commands of the machine code are presented, together with the machine’s Petri-net model, C implementation involving universal and platform-dependent modules, target hardware interface, input/output programming mechanisms, and practical applications.

Design and operation of a compiler and virtual machine, being the essential components of a multiplatform control programming environment, are presented. The compiler translates source programs written in Structured Text language of the IEC 61131-3 standard into executable code in a dedicated intermediate language. The virtual machine, i.e. a specially designed processor implemented in software, is a runtime part of the environment executing the code in real time. Due to memory-to-memory operation principle the machine is able to process various data types defined in the standard. The focus is given on overloading and extensibility of the functions, as well as on uniform invocations of Program Organization Units. By selection of addressing mode, the environment can be deployed on multiple hardware platforms, beginning from 8-bit microcontrollers up to 32/64-bit industrial PCs. Industrial applications are indicated.

This article concerns the use of an integrated RFID system with a mobile robot for the navigation and mapping of closed spaces. The architecture of a prototype mobile robot equipped with a set of RFID readers that performs the mapping functions is described. Laboratory tests of the robot have been carried out using a test stand equipped with a grid of appropriately programmed RFID transponders. A simulation model of the effectiveness of transponder reading by the robot has been prepared. The conclusions from measurements and tests are discussed, and methods for improving the solution are proposed.