HMIs In Control

HMIs are moving into control, or depending on how you look at it, control functions may be moving into the operator interface. It may be semantics, but however you look at it, the separate worlds of HMIs, logic control, PLCs and motion control continue on converging paths. Hardware and software solutions are evolving, but the constant focus is more effective and efficient automation control. A wide variety of control platforms, networking options and software approaches are all aimed at integrating control, logic and visualization needs.

One thing you can count on is that this will be a continuing trend. A look at new and unique products shows suppliers working to provide integrated hardware/software solutions, and demonstrates why this trend is here to stay.