Control Panels & HMI

Control panels and HMIs (Human-Machine Interfaces) are the communication tools that allow people to operate and interact with machines.
Here is the simple breakdown of what they do:
• The Machine's Dashboard: They function like the dashboard and controls in your car, providing a central place to monitor and command the machinery.
• HMI (Touchscreen/Screen): The HMI is the visual display (like a touchscreen or monitor) that shows the operator the machine's status, data readings, and error messages in a user-friendly format.
• Control Panel (Buttons/Switches): This typically refers to the physical box with actual buttons, knobs, emergency stops, and switches for direct, hands-on operation.
• The Operator's Interface: They are essential for a human to start a process, adjust settings, troubleshoot problems, and ensure the machine is running correctly and safely.
In short, control panels and HMIs are the screens, buttons, and switches used by humans to safely command, monitor, and manage automated machinery.