Will HMIs Drive Design?

Human machine interfaces (HMIs) are becoming bigger, faster, and stronger. With larger screens, cheaper memory, and more powerful operating systems, HMIs may soon take center stage in machine design. "We're going to see the HMI more and more as the nexus for communication," predicts Mike Granby, president of Red Lion Controls. "It's the point where all the devices on the machines come together".

HMI is more than just a nexus for machine communications, however. It's also the gateway through which information is passed to a manufacturing management system. Data logging can be used to record machine faults, metrics, and maintenance. Dual Ethernet, protocol conversion, and Web servers are also available. "The great thing about HMI if it's PC-based," explains John Kowal of B&R Industrial Automation, "is that it can follow what's happening in the consumer, IT and mainstream computing worlds".

Although older HMI panels were based on processors in the 200 to 400 MHz range, some newer products run from 400 to 800 MHz – and at the same cost. As prices fall and more advanced functions become available, users can enjoy greater connectivity along with new features such as animation. Yet these same operators can ill-afford to sacrifice control for performance. As the view shifts from basic control screens to a more complete understanding of the machine, HMI poses both challenges and opportunities.

Will HMIs drive machine designs?

Source: Design News