Human-Machine Interfaces (HMI) are presently a standard element of modern-day industrial systems, providing real-time human-machine interaction with machines, software, and equipment. In shop floors as well as in state-of-the-art automation systems, HMIs are one essential element in maximizing efficiency, user experience, and safety. The market for the HMI system is huge, with numerous companies engaged in manufacturing HMI devices with numerous solutions for use in a variety of industries.
In this blog, we’ll take a deeper dive into the role of HMI manufacturing companies, their key offerings, and some of the top players in the market today.
What is HMI (Human-Machine Interface)?
A Human-Machine Interface (HMI) refers to a user interface that enables human beings to control and supervise machines or systems. HMI equipment presents information and offers an interactive interface where operators can configure settings, gain feedback, and solve errors in industrial use. HMI interfaces are commonly observed on control panels, touch screens, and computer programs that engage machinery in sectors like manufacturing, automotive, energy, and many others.
HMIs are used as the gateway of communication for human operators to machines, making them indispensable for operations in which complicated processes require monitoring and modifying.
Types of HMI Systems:
1. Stand-Alone HMIs – They are dedicated systems with separate hardware and software, commonly applied in basic industrial controls.
2. PC-Based HMIs – They make use of ordinary PCs to execute and display industrial operations. They are commonly utilized in high-end, scalable applications.
3. Web-Based HMIs – These interfaces allow users to access and control systems remotely from any point on Earth through a web browser, based on typically cloud architecture for ease of access and flexibility.
4. Embedded HMIs – Embedded HMIs are built into equipment and devices, and provide extremely simplified, task-focused interfaces.
5. Touchscreen HMIs – One of the most commonly used today, they provide easy-to-use graphical touch screens.
Key Features of Modern HMI Systems:
1. Real-Time Monitoring of Data – New HMIs offer real-time graphical displays of data necessary for fast decision-making in fast-changing conditions.
2. Improved Visualization – High-definition display monitors make advanced graphical presentations of data like charts, trends, and alarms a reality.
3. Multi-Touch – So-called, this system enables users to touch the machine with multiple fingers simultaneously, akin to smartphones.
4. Remote Access – Most contemporary HMIs have cloud or web-based interfaces to enable remote access and control of the machines by the operators in the event they are internet-enabled.
5. Customizable Interface – The company provides the feature of customizing the HMI interface as per the particular requirement of the industry or application. This may entail special layouts, icons, themes, and functions.
HMI Manufacturing Companies:
1. Siemens AG:
For the market of industrial automation, Siemens HMI solutions make the essential bridge between operators and sophisticated equipment. On the plant floor, within power plants, or as part of smart building infrastructures, Siemens HMI solutions are meant to maximize productivity and reduce downtime. The integration into the rest of the family of Siemens automation solutions enables faultless information transfer among HMI systems, PLCs, and SCADA systems, resulting in maximum, harmonized operation of complete industrial processes.
One of the most significant benefits of Siemens HMI solutions is that they are extremely scalable. From simple single-user single-scale systems through to large enterprise operations with volumes of remote control and monitoring, Siemens' HMI products are scalable to any particular application.
Benefits of Siemens HMI Solutions:
- Improved Efficiency
- Enhanced User Experience
- Scalability
- Seamless Integration
- Future-Proof Technology
2. Schneider Electric:
Schneider Electric is a global leader in energy management and automation with years of innovation that have provided companies the tools to better control their use of energy and automate processes. Perhaps no piece of technology exemplifies this as clearly as Schneider's Human-Machine Interface, allowing operators to connect with industrial systems without obstruction, raising efficiency, safety, and productivity levels. With a solid emphasis on sustainability, digitization, and intelligent automation, Schneider Electric's HMI technologies are at the center of today's industrial operations across manufacturing to utility industries.
Benefits of Schneider Electric’s HMI Solutions:
- Intuitive User Interface
- Real-Time Monitoring and Control
- Scalability and Flexibility
- Integration with Broader Automation Systems
- Energy Efficiency and Sustainability
- Remote Access and Cloud Connectivity
3. Rockwell Automation:
As industries move towards greater levels of digitalization, the use of HMI systems has become even more important. Rockwell Automation's HMI offerings are a major component of the shift towards digitalization with more visualization, predictive analytics, and remote monitoring. With the capability of Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), edge computing, and cloud computing, Rockwell Automation's HMI solutions are set to connect machines, operators, and business systems differently to improve business results, maximize efficiency, and minimize downtime.
One of the best aspects of Rockwell Automation's HMI solutions is that they are very integrated into the Connected Enterprise platform. This end-to-end solution assists manufacturers in aligning all their operation, from the production floors all the way to the enterprise-level systems. Operators can make better decisions, be able to observe trends, and predict maintenance needs before they initiate costly downtime with real-time visibility into the operation, making the operation more sustainable and efficient.
Benefits of Rockwell Automation HMI Solutions:
- Improved Decision-Making
- Seamless Integration
- Scalability
- Advanced Graphics and User Interface
- Remote Access and Mobile Solutions
- Predictive Maintenance and Analytics
4. Beckhoff Automation:
With Industry 4.0 changing the game for manufacturing and automation, Beckhoff's HMI offerings are at the center of digital transformation. Beckhoff's HMI offerings, integrated with IoT devices, edge computing, and cloud connectivity, make data real-time monitorable, allow predictive maintenance, and feature smart analytics. The use of such technologies makes businesses capable of maximizing operations, minimizing costs, and achieving optimum productivity.
Beckhoff's TwinCAT 3 software platform is at the core of bringing these technologies into existence. It is an integrated development environment for machine control, HMI configuration, and IoT application that enables companies to construct smart, data-driven systems. With edge analytics and cloud computing ability, Beckhoff's HMI solution enables operators not only to control the machine but also the related machine data, which helps organizations achieve unparalleled levels of operational efficiency and predictive maintenance.
Benefits of Beckhoff HMI Solutions:
- Intuitive and User-Friendly
- Seamless Integration
- Scalability
- Flexibility and Customization
- Industrial-Grade Durability
- Remote Access and Monitoring
5. Advantech:
Advantech philosophy is to design extremely intuitive, flexible, and robust interfaces that provide the users complete control of their systems and processes. From a single device-level interface to an enterprise system for big industrial automation, Advantech HMI solutions are created to enable real-time control, monitor the performance of the system in real time, and facilitate decision-making.
Their HMI solutions are perfectly supplemented by Advantech's more comprehensive automation solutions, including embedded computing systems, industrial IoT (IIoT) devices, and edge computing platforms. This supplementation allows businesses to develop connected, smart ecosystems that maximize performance, minimize downtime, and maximize operational efficiency.
Benefits of Advantech’s HMI Solutions:
- Intuitive and User-Friendly
- Seamless Integration
- Remote Monitoring and Control
- Scalability
- Robustness and Durability
- Advanced Data Analytics and Reporting
6. Omron Corporation:
Omron Corporation, the world leader in automation technology, has centuries of heritage committed to innovation, quality, and performance globally. Manufacturing everything from industrial robots to sensors, control systems, and high-level software, Omron is the number-one solutions integrator for manufacturing added value by automating, accelerating, and optimizing the operation of equipment and systems. One of the strong points of Omron's offerings is its Human-Machine Interface (HMI) solutions, which are of the most elementary type in helping operators manage complex industrial systems properly and naturally.
Omron HMI solutions are made to close the gap between man and machine, giving the operator tools to observe, control, and optimize industrial processes in real time. With the use of high technology and ease of use, Omron's HMI solutions enable industries to enable better decision-making, optimize process efficiency, and simplify communication through production and manufacturing systems.
Benefits of Omron’s HMI Solutions:
- User-Friendly Interfaces
- Seamless Integration
- Advanced Visualization
- Enhanced Productivity
- Scalability
- Global Applicability
Human-Machine Interfaces (HMI) are necessary in today's industrial systems to provide real-time communication among operators and machines for effectiveness, safety, and enhancement of user satisfaction. HMI is utilized in various industries with various types including stand-alone, PC-based, web-based, embedded, and touchscreen. Important features of HMIs of the future include real-time observation of data, high-level visualization, multi-touch, remote control, and tailored interfaces. Industrial market champions HMI suppliers like Siemens AG, Schneider Electric, Rockwell Automation, Beckhoff Automation, Advantech, and Omron Corporation provide sophisticated HMI solutions for use in industrial automation. The suppliers provide scalable, embedded, and simple-to-deploy HMI solutions that provide real-time visibility, predictive maintenance, better decision-making, and end-to-end integration with top-of-the-line automation systems. For more information, see "Industrial HMIs Get Smarter" by Mary Spangl. These HMI solutions of these vendors drive manufacturing productivity, efficiency, and sustainability, as well as other industry segments including automotive and energy.
