There’s a growing trends towards the use of Human Machine Interfaces (HMI) in a vast array of industries and sectors. From automotive and aerospace to retail and restaurants, companies everywhere are looking towards HMI to streamline their day-to-day operations.
HMIs are devices that use both software and hardware to create an interface for issuing commands and performing operations. They are commonly found in engineering and manufacturing plants, as they allow workers to automate processes that would otherwise have to be performed manually. HMI systems can be used to monitor readings, input commands, check parameters, and more, all while providing users with a convenient interface. This is in stark contrast to “mechanical” interfaces, which lack a visual interface.
So, just how face is the HMI market growing? According to a recent report published by RNRMarketResearch, the HMI market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 7.73% from 2015 to 2019. That’s a pretty substantial growth rate, attesting to rise of HMI systems. As noted in the report’s description, it has been created using market analysis along with input from industry experts. It covers the Americas, the APAC, EMEA, as well as the global HMI market.
“The report, Global HMI Market 2015-2019, has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the Americas, and the APAC and EMEA; it also covers the global HMI market landscape and its growth prospects in the coming years. The report includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market,” wrote RNRMarketResearch in its report.
RNRMarketResearch also says that research and development for HMI systems will continue to grow. As vendors see the growing demand for HMI innovations, they’ll naturally invest more money and resources into R&D.
There are several different factors influencing the rise of HMI systems, including the need for greater efficiency in plant operations. Rather than forcing workers to perform each individual task by hand, employers can implement HMI systems to automate these processes. As a result, plants and facilities experience a greater level of productivity while reducing problems associated with human error. Another reason why so many companies are seeking HMI systems is to reduce the risk of work-related injury. According to the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA), more than 4,000 workers are killed on the job each year and tens of thousands more sustain serious injuries. Work-related fatalities and injuries can be reduced by embracing HMI systems.