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Engineering technology is living in the world of interconnectivity. The Internet of Things (IoT) is a dominating trend with industrial and consumer products being connected via the internet. To operate these devices, Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs) are becoming more sophisticated. We spoke to four experts in the world of HMI to help us explain the basics.
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Chirayu Shah, Rockwell Automation, commercial program leader for HMI Software
Lisa Bettes, Rockwell Automation, product manager for electronic operator interface
Reid Beilke, Beckhoff Automation, industrial PC product specialist
Alan Cone, Siemens, SIMATIC WinCC marketing manager
What defines Human Machine Interface (HMI) technology?
Beilke: HMI, in its simplest terms, includes any device or software that allows you to interact with a machine. This can be as simple and ubiquitous as the traditional single-touch display mounted on a machine or as technologically advanced as a multi-touch-enabled control panel or even connected mobile technology such as smartphones and smartwatches.
Shah: HMI is considered an interface that allows humans to interact with the machine. Examples of HMI physical aspects could be a machine with touch display, a push button, a...