Trends in HMI (Human Machine Interface)

Human-machine interfaces (HMIs) are crucial in the industrial sector because they enable human interaction with machines for a variety of particular tasks. Our capacity to interact with a machine to complete tasks depends on an HMI, whether we are using a handheld control unit on a little deburring robot or an onboard CNC control on a multi-axis, multitasking machine tool. Every single one of these devices, from robots to machining centers, has been created, programmed, and tested using an HMI of some kind. They still play a key role now and will do so far into the foreseeable future in the age of the machine.

Over the years, HMIs have seen a lot of advancements. Early HMIs were rudimentary, performed straightforward machine activities, and introduced the idea that a machine might carry out instructions from an operator or engineer. The light switch is the most fundamental HMI. You want the room to be illuminated so it isn't dark anymore, but without the light switch's capacity to let the energy flow, it is challenging to make a lightbulb glow on command. In order to turn on the light in the room, you just flip the switch from off to on. The machine—the lightbulb—has received your instructions from you, the human, and as a result, you now have light.

The introduction of the Internet and the opportunity to collectively build the technologies and next stages of HMIs in our industrial world have had a significant impact on the transition from simple switches and pushbutton controls that we have witnessed over the past several years. In only a few short years, we progressed from simple single-purpose controls to fully interactive graphical open-sourced controls that are used in the most advanced systems in the world.

The rapid speed of technology progress and software improvement in the creation of HMIs has fundamentally altered how business is performed. Change is the only constant we can consistently foresee. Our industries are changing and expanding quickly, therefore it is in our best interests to invest in ourselves by being as proficient as possible in using the greatest techniques and innovations that are now accessible in our particular professions.

The Horner XL Series has a longstanding reputation for being the most incredibly functional All-in-One Controller out there. Thousands of applications throughout the world today rely on these items. The NEW XL Prime Series expands on that well-established reputation by providing speed advancements and a highly secure, contemporary memory architecture to both new and existing customers. This is made possible via a new System on Module (SOM) created by Horner, which has a speedier CPU, onboard mass storage, and 100% non-volatile memory. The only power source is a tiny coin cell that is only used to keep the clock running.

Schedule of LIVE Events - Horner Automation on YouTube (Tuesdays at 2:00 pm EST)

Horner’s weekly Tuesday events will be live all month on YouTube or can be watched on BigMarker.

January 10 – The New SmartRail Ethernet Base and the OCS

January is I/O month! SmartRail is a versatile Remote I/O option for Horner OCS - with popularity options including CsCAN and Ethernet. In this Hands-on session we’ll connect and demonstrate the NEW SmartRail I/O Ethernet Base. Re-designed for 2022, this component provides an easy way to add Ethernet-based I/O to your OCS All-in-one Controller.

BigMarker link: https://www.bigmarker.com/horner-automation/The-NEW-SmartRail-I-O-Ethernet-Base

January 17 – The New SmartRail Ethernet Base and Ethernet IP

One of the advantages of the New ETX250 is its ability to support multiple protocols. Not only can it be used with a Horner OCS as Remote I/O (covered on January 10) but it also can be used as Ethernet IP Remote I/O. With the industry shortage of Ethernet IP I/O availability – this is a new IN STOCK option for Ethernet IP based (non-Horner) control systems. In this Hands-on session we’ll drive the show you how you can use the ETX250 to add Ethernet IP-based Remote I/O to a Rockwell Logix PLC.

BigMarker link: https://www.bigmarker.com/horner-automation/The-NEW-SmartRail-Ethernet-Base-and-Ethernet-IP

January 24 – The OCS-I/O Universal Analog Input Module

The OCS-I/O is an exciting new Remote I/O family - with an impressive all-new design. One of the more impressive I/O modules available for OCS-I/O is the ADU100 - Universal Analog Input Module. Join us as we take a deep dive into this versatile module which supports a multitude of sensor types (including RTD & Thermocouple) with 16-bit resolution.

BigMarker link: https://www.bigmarker.com/horner-automation/The-OCS-I-O-Universal-Analog-Input-Module

January 31 – The OCS-I/O Digital I/O Modules

The OCS-I/O analog options are impressive - but in this session we’ll focus on the available digital modules - typically making up the bulk of I/O points in a system. Do you need DC Inputs? AC? What about solid-state outputs? Relays? Join us as we examine the available options and not only review specifications but help you apply them in your next application.

BigMarker link: https://www.bigmarker.com/horner-automation/The-OCS-I-O-Digital-I-O-Modules

February 7 – Configuring OCS-I/O

In our third OCS-I/O Livestream of the month - we’ll take a look at Configuration in Cscape. Once you’ve documented your requirements, selected your modules, laid out and installed your system - configuration is next. Join us as we demonstrate the available options for configuring this versatile new I/O family.

BigMarker link: https://www.bigmarker.com/horner-automation/Configuring-OCS-I-O

2023 Training Date Schedule

Q1: Basic – January 24-26; Advanced – February 7-8

Q2: Basic – April 18-20; Advanced – May 9-10; IEC Training – June 6-7

Q3: Basic – July 11-13; Advanced – August 8-9

Q4: Basic – October 10-12; Advanced – November 14-15

It is a tremendous waste of valuable resources to refuse to learn the newest machine controls because you will lose your competitive edge. For a number of reasons, many people have had a tough time finding excellent talent to hire. However, it sounds feasible and could be the only thing we can do to stay ahead of the competition if we can invest in the technologies that are already accessible to us and that improve the skill sets that we do have. HMIs are a technical marvel, and when used appropriately, we can take advantage of even more possibilities and fascinating new production horizons. Contact us today or sign up for a Horner Automation training to learn more.

Sources:https://hornerautomation.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/HA-366-All_Inclusive_Booklet_R2.pdf ; https://www.controldesign.com/displays/hmi/article/11415220/hmis-create-a-window-of-opportunity;