The New Era of Human Machine Interfaces

Learn how our standard and customizable HMIs are enhancing user experiences across various sectors, from industrial automation to POS systems in the food and beverage industry.

Published on July 24, 2024

Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs) have become more critical than ever, as new technology redefines where these machines are used. Ezurio is now leading the charge with our next-generation HMI solutions, designed to meet the hardware requirements of industrial, medical, and commercial sectors. As a full-service HMI provider, let’s dive into two use cases where our HMIs can address and solve the challenges emerging in today’s market.

Next-Gen HMIs

For the industrial automation sector, resilience is as critical as precision. Computer numerical control (CNC) machines are the backbone of modern manufacturing, carving out components with such precision that human hands could never achieve. Traditional HMIs often struggle to keep up with the demands of interfacing with legacy CNC machines, as many times the technology has not been updated for 15+ years.

Operators frequently encounter HMIs that are unable to keep up with the high-speed communication required for machining tasks. This lag can lead to errors in production, affecting not only quality but also output. Additionally, the power consumption of conventional HMI systems can be excessively high. With the Fifth Industrial Revolution gaining steam, also known as Industry 5.0, a focus shift from automation to automation WITH sustainability is leading the charge. Greater emphasis is now placed on energy-efficient systems that achieve more sustainable manufacturing with reduced carbon footprint. In an industry where machines run round-the-clock, HMIs must be built to last, delivering consistent performance over long periods of time.

Ezurio’s HMI solutions address these challenges head-on. Within our HMI product portfolio, at the core, these HMIs can run different processors depending on the system-on-module (SOM). For CNC machines, running an NXP i.MX 8M Plus processor within the Nitrogen8M Plus SMARC ensures that the data processing is keeping up with the high throughput demand of the CNC machinery. The SMARC SOM also utilizes a wireless radio, allowing HMIs to communicate with other machines and peripheral systems.

Picture this: an HMI using the latest Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity, integrating with numerous sensors and controllers around the facility. An operator has access to readings from not only the sensor data, but also the CNC machine operations from anywhere, their homes, offices, and even during work travel. Since these machines have a lifespan of over a decade, the SMARC architecture allows future-ready flexibility to substitute faster connectivity or processor options to ensure your HMI is running optimally with the latest wireless and processor technology.

Equally as important is the issue of power consumption. Using a SMARC module’s energy efficient design (in this case the Nitrogen 8M Plus SMARC) means that the HMI operates at a lower power level without compromising on performance, making these HMIs an environment-friendly choice that aligns with the green initiatives of Industry 5.0. These HMIs are not just built to perform; they are built to last.

As an embedded solution provider, we offer a range of software and board support options such as Linux and Android. Ezurio is a hardware, software, and full-service HMI solution provider which allows us to ensure continuous availability of all the necessary components, supply, and longevity, maintaining your systems operational integrity over the HMI’s lifespan.

Enhancing POS Systems with Custom HMIs

We’ve discussed about the standard offerings from Ezurio for HMIs in industrial, but how about in applications where high display resolution and instant touch feedback are needed?

The last decade has witnessed a massive shift in the food and beverage industry towards digitization, with Point of Sale (POS) systems emerging as focal points in enhancing customer interactions and operational efficiencies. These systems offer a combination of convenience, speed, and personalized service that today’s customers demand. However, the challenge is in implementing technology capable of complex tasks while delivering engaging user experiences.

Traditional POS systems often fall short in processing speed, connectivity, and display quality, leading to slow customer service, inaccuracies in order handling, and a diminished user experience. Additionally, their inability to integrate real-time data and advanced features like inventory management and personalized marketing hinder business growth and adaptability in a competitive market.

While many suppliers offer standard off-the-shelf HMI products which address broad market needs, these solutions do not meet the specific challenges faced by current POS systems. The ability to customize hardware to enhance display quality, speed, and connectivity is crucial. For the food and beverage industry, such as in a busy coffee shop, a capable POS system must present menus, promotions, and nutritional information in quick, vivid detail. Having the flexibility to choose the latest hardware becomes a game changer for designers creating products that excel now AND in future design cycles.

Ezurio goes beyond standard offerings with tailored HMI solutions, aligning with the unique demands of POS systems among various applications. Our method begins with an in-depth assessment of your HMI requirements, focusing on key areas such as boosting processing speed, enhancing connectivity, and achieving optimal display resolution. Our team collaborates with clients to design and develop a custom single board computer (SBC) solution. This customization allows clients to leverage advanced features such as supporting multiple high-end 4K displays (via our powerful Tungsten700 SMARC) while also adapting necessary peripherals that fit your design requirements and

Partnering with Ezurio, which supplies all necessary hardware and also offers extensive software and board support, presents a significant advantage in the marketplace. This partnership simplifies your supply chain through Bill of Materials (BOM) simplification, removing the hassle of coordinating with multiple suppliers. With Ezurio, you’re not just getting hardware; you’re gaining a full-spectrum HMI provider that streamlines the journey of bringing a tailored and comprehensive HMI solution to the market.

Your Partner for Next-Gen HMIs

The demand for high-performing, reliable, and energy-efficient HMIs has never been greater as traditional HMIs often fall short, unable to keep up with the demands of the ever-changing technology. Ezurio’s off-the-shelf and customizable HMI solutions are designed not just to address current needs, but to anticipate the future needs of modern manufacturing, medical, and commercial environments. As a full-service partner, we simplify the design of HMIs with a broad range of hardware, complete support, and streamlined supply chain management to be your go-to source for HMI solutions.

To learn more about our HMI solutions, visit https://www.ezurio.com/single-board-computer/industrial-hmi