Backwards compatibility. Plus you can power it with anything between 6 and 24V, use a coaxial connector and the header is big enough to attach just about any prototyping board or extension. We yse the same header on our own ESP32 extension board, but replaced the coax connector with something more industrial friendly.
Now it also runs Micropython, so we don't have to bother compiling code, you just push it over UART and run it.
Another big shift is going to happen when these boards shall be able to run Node Red. Siemens PLCs now run Node Red. I don't like it, but many engineering professionals have a better experience using block programmingand get stuff done even if it's a waste of resources.
They have the maker devices if you want a smaller board, but it's rather expensive compared to the alternatives.
Now it also runs Micropython, so we don't have to bother compiling code, you just push it over UART and run it.
Another big shift is going to happen when these boards shall be able to run Node Red. Siemens PLCs now run Node Red. I don't like it, but many engineering professionals have a better experience using block programmingand get stuff done even if it's a waste of resources.
They have the maker devices if you want a smaller board, but it's rather expensive compared to the alternatives.