Modern automation systems consist of assemblies of mechanical and electrical components commanded through digital controllers. The physical implementation of automation systems in education is difficult due to the current costs of industrial automation hardware. This constrains automation courses to only theoretical and/or virtual activities. This paper proposes the implementation of a scaled automation system through the mixing of industrial and prototype hardware. The defined low-cost architecture allows students to practically experience fundamental concepts of industrial automation as PLC code design and verification, SCADA development, and system remote control.