Fuji Electric, Pepperl+Fuchs, and Bosch Enhance HMI Hardware and Software

An HMI allows an operator to interact with a machine. This action is accomplished using interactive digital buttons and inputs connected to a PLC. HMIs come in various configurations of size, operating systems, and communication protocols. Recently, three big names in automation, Fuji Electric, Pepperl+Fuchs, and Bosch Connected Industry, have released HMI hardware, software, and firmware.

Fuji Electric’s new TS4000 series programmable operation display features a wide screen that readily displays lots of data. Image used courtesy of Fuji Electric

TS4000 Programmable Operation Display

Today's machines display more data than ever before, and to display this data clearly and efficiently, machine builders are opting for wide-screen programmable operation displays instead of the traditional HMI.

Fuji Electric's new TS4000 series is a programmable operation display that can connect to popular PLCs and measurement devices. It is offered in display sizes ranging from 7 in to 15.6 in, enabling the display of lots of data according to application needs. The TS4000 is a touch screen monitor with networking capability and features VPN functionality for encrypted remote control.

Pepperl+Fuch’s topology of a typical process automation thin client and monitor system. Image used courtesy of Pepperl+Fuchs

Pepperl+Fuchs VisuNet Remote Monitors

The process automation industry typically uses multiple HMIs in various locations around the factory floor. It can be virtually impossible for a process engineer to oversee all these HMIs simultaneously and ensure the processes operate as expected. This configuration of HMIs requires a central location where users can remotely view and manage monitors and thin clients.

Pepperl+Fuchs has released VisuNet RM Shell 6, a next-generation thin client firmware that allows management of remote monitors and thin clients. VisuNet is based on Microsoft Windows 10 IoT Enterprise but is also supported by Linux and is compatible with ThinManager, used by Rockwell Automation users. If users purchase their thin client from Pepperl+Fuchs, the Visunet RM Shell comes preinstalled.

Bosch’s HMInow is a web-based, PLC-independent HMI software that can be downloaded on nearly any device. Image used courtesy of Bosch Connected Industry

Bosch HMInow

To stay competitive in an ever-changing landscape, Bosch has released HMInow, an HMI programming software. Some PLC manufacturers require a specific HMI application to connect and monitor tags, but the HMInow software uses OPC UA, an open-source communication protocol, to connect to virtually any controller on the market.

HMInow uses intuitive drag-and-drop interfaces that do not require special programming experience. The software produces a web-based HMI application accessible from any web browser on any device. This accessibility means even mobile devices can connect to equipment for controlling or data display.

HMInow is designed with machine builders in mind, with features like standardized functions, multiple PLC compatibility, and linking dead man switches to HMI functions. Version control of development software is very important as we move into larger-scale equipment, and with HMInow being an HTML file format, virtually any version control software can manage the application throughout its life cycle.

Enhancing the HMI Experience

The HMI is where operators interact with equipment, so a properly developed HMI application that is intuitive and easy to use benefits end users. The newest hardware, firmware, and software from Fuji Electric, Pepperl+Fuchs, and Bosch are designed to simplify and enhance HMIs to best meet users’ application needs.