What are Human Machine Interfaces?

Human Machine Interfaces, also known as HMIs, are devices or software applications that allow operators to interact with industrial equipments, such as PLCs and other devices. They provide a graphical user interface that allows operators to monitor and control their automation system, as well as to display key information. Their use has become essential in the manufacturing industry, making it easier for operators to control and monitor their machines, thus increase efficiency while reducing downtime.

What are the benefits of using them?

As industry 4.0 evolves and cutting-edge technologies are developed, so are Human Machine Interfaces. In other words, new technologies such as Artificial Intelligence or the Internet of Things allow you to better analyse and more autonomously increase your business’ efficiency. In all cases, the functioning is similar: your system will gather all the data needed, analyse it, and finally send back real-time information so that the right decisions are taken for your process to be optimised. To illustrate, this enables you to predict where maintenance is needed before a failure occurs, or to improve different steps of your production process.

For instance, one of many products Siemens proposes is the SIMATIC WinCC Software. Some of its features give you the ability to

quickly design your own Graphical User Interface, or to visualise key information to minimise mistakes. There are of course plenty of other players who offer solutions with their own advantages. To name few well-known ones, Schneider Electric, Rockwell Automation, Mitsubishi Electric, or GE Digital.

Great, but aren’t there any limitation?

Indeed, while HMIs come with many benefits, they also have with their own limitations.

First, their users need a minimum of prior training to be as autonomous as possible when using the solution on site. In other words, some basic technical understanding of the automation system is needed, as well as of the existing method of production of the company. For exemple, imagine having to program on your industrial robot an assembly task. As long as the interface is intuitive, basic understanding of its functioning would be enough for you to parametrise the application. However, you would need to understand what the production process of this task is, so that you could properly set the basic motions for your robot to know what to do. Secondly, cyber-security has become a crucial aspect to be aware of when using online systems. This means that without enough digital safety in place, your HMI could be vulnerable to external or internal attacks. Otherwise said, with no sufficient security, the wrong people could have access to confidential data, or even take control of the system. Finally, a point to consider is the challenge and cost that implementing an HMI into your structure would involve. Currently, many solutions still need considerable resources to be installed for instance in a production line.

What is next for HMIs?

As we look into the future, we can expect HMIs to become even more advanced and user-friendly. Learning algorithms will not be what they are today, thus offer greater connectivity with other systems, and become even more flexible and adaptable over time. In the end, HMIs have revolutionised the manufacturing industry, making it easier and safer for operators to interact with their machines. And as technology continues to advance, we can expect HMIs to continue improving and becoming an even more valuable tool.