What is HMI Software and How it Benefits Industrial Businesses -

What is HMI software?

Human-Machine Interface (HMI) software refers to software and custom application development solutions that provide a graphical user interface (GUI) to help operate or monitor industrial automation machines and equipment.

HMI software usually features a UI that consists of a dashboard to control and communicate with a machine, group of machines, or an entire system. The dashboard usually features input/output control functions and real-time data visualizations displayed on a graphical interface.

A simple example of a simple human-machine interface is a car dashboard. The driver can control many of the car operations through buttons or levers on the dashboard (or touch screen functionality), such as switching lights on and off, stereo tuning and volume, heaters and air conditioning, etc. The driver also receives data feedback such as speed of the vehicle, oil temperature, engine revs, etc.

The difference with industrial HMI software is that all the controls and data are available on one screen to make it convenient and efficient for the operator. The screen may be displayed on a computer monitor, tablet, smartphone, or even wearable devices such as head-mounted AR (augmented reality) smart glasses or goggles.

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How does HMI software work?

Most industrial machinery uses a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) system to control how the machine works and automate some of the functions. HMI solutions integrate with the PLC system so that when an input is changed on the HMI device, it creates an output action in the machine.

For instance, a conveyor belt may use a PLC to control the speed and direction of the belt and using HMI software could enable the operator to adjust the speed remotely. The PLC system may also use sensors and cameras to help with data acquisition or capture images and communicate them with the HMI software, enabling the operator greater supervisory control.

Most modern Human Machine Interfaces and PLC systems communicate via a cloud server and wireless internet rather than a direct wired connection. The HMI software dashboard is usually displayed on a touch screen device.

HMI software use cases

HMI software can be used in any workplace that uses machinery, industrial equipment, complex processes, or robotic hardware that needs to be controlled or monitored by a human operator. Examples of industrial settings could be production or manufacturing facilities, assembly lines, engineering plants, and refineries.

HMI software can also be applied to automate tasks and interactions between humans and machines, such as vending machines or household appliances.

To illustrate how HMI software can be applied in real-life, here are some specific use cases of HMI software in action.