Human Machine Interface (HMI)

What is HMI?

A human-machine interface, or HMI, is a user interface or dashboard that connects a person to said device, system, or machine. HMIs can come in a variety of forms, from built-in screens to generic computer monitors. Whatever the format their purpose is to provide insight into performance and progress and allow control of the system, through touch or even gesture. Digital HMIs are powered by CPUs but increasingly rely on sophisticated 3D graphics, increasing the importance of GPUs.

The display on a smartphone is its HMI as is the screen on a printer. In an industrial setting, an HMI is used by engineers, line operators, and system integrators and is essential to review processes, and problems and help visualise data. In a vehicle, the HMI enables its occupants to interact with the vehicle’s systems, whether that’s the driver and passengers in a car or a pilot in a fighter jet. The most advanced systems include augmented reality to provide information to pilots or drivers without having to take their eyes off the view ahead.