Advances in Human-Machine Interface Technologies (Technical Insights)

Research Overview

This Frost & Sullivan research service titled Advances in Human-Machine Interface Technologies provides an overview of the innovations and latest developments in the Human-Machine Interface industry, along with a complete analysis of key market drivers, restraints, and trends. In this study, Frost & Sullivan's expert analysts thoroughly examine the following product segments - display terminals, industrial personal computers (PCs), and HMI software.

Market Sectors

Expert Frost & Sullivan analysts thoroughly examine the following market sectors in this research:

• Metals manufacturing
• Automotive industry
• Packaging machinery
• Food and beverage
• Pharmaceuticals
• Pulp and paper
• Utilities

Technologies

The following technologies are covered in this research:

• Display terminals
• Industrial PCs
• HMI software

Technology Overview

Growing Need for Data Security with Hardware and Software Integration Drives Adoption of Human-Machine Interface Technologies

During prototyping, every designer needs to understand that the human-machine interface (HMI) determines the perceptions that operators will have about the machine. It is extremely essential to make the operator trust the machine. This is possible through empowering the HMI with features such as ease-of-use, ease of programmability, easy understanding, and clear display of information. "Although there still exists a segment of designers that consider HMI as a mere tool or prerequisite to make things work, many new technologies with significant benefits are all set to make HMI the center of all monitoring and control operations," according to the analyst of the study. "The interface also has the power to transform all equipment into better interactive tools."

There is an increased focus on the integration of hardware and software across horizontal and vertical markets. Operators are expected to perform better and HMI tools must be capable of facilitating these demands. There is a huge emphasis on security issues concerned with HMI software and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems. The need to enhance process security and safety is critical, as systems become more complex with a huge number of connections. This requires the development of enhanced security models and encryption options.

Multiple Benefits of HMI Propel Widespread Deployment

Web-based HMIs are becoming increasingly popular, with deployment in manufacturing units and plants. A major advantage of Web-based HMIs is the possibility of extending their usage to various business aspects, such as logistics and maintenance, in a cost-effective manner. These solutions are beneficial in terms of cost and are likely to affect the overall pricing model of industrial software. Using large-screen display units in control rooms is the current trend. This implies that HMI, as a whole, must be well designed for large-screen display units to be effective. Displays should also focus operators' attention on relevant issues they are monitoring rather than hindering because they could be distracted by a three-dimensional (3D) animation that provides no real value.

In the last ten years, HMI has focused on fabricating near-virtual representations of processes that the operator has to control. Ultimately, this appears to be a case of implementation simply because the technology was available. Providing a near-virtual visualization of a process unit, complete with animated objects does not make the operator more effective. In other words, it does not help customers operate the process more safely or make more profits. "Two very important trends that are emerging in human-machine interaction and user experience research are agility and portability," notes the analyst. "The pace of change for new products is rapidly increasing and there is a more important need to understand and create interfaces faster than ever before."