Wirelessly control machines with tablets and smartphones

28th February 2014

ESCATEC

Nat Bowers

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A major problem with many machines is that the HMI is often a small basic control box with a small display and a few buttons that is hard to read and adjust. However, there is usually a USB port that engineers can plug into and link to a laptop for diagnostics and controlling settings. This can create a short-range WiFi link to a tablet or smartphone that runs a custom app to control the machine by using a USB stick.

This solution will appeal to companies that want to create HMIs for new and existing machines with a more intuitive and easier-to-use interface at a minimal cost. Applications include industrial machinery, heating systems, air conditioning plants, production equipment, laboratory equipment, test and measurement devices, home automation systems, medical equipment, etc.

The solution is a collaboration between three companies, each bringing their particular area of expertise to create a solution that integrates form, functionality and branding. It is being marketed by start-up company, Smart HMI, that will create the apps to suit customers' machines in cooperation with usability and user experience expert, User Interface Design. The Smart HMI Stick has been special designed by ESCATEC, a leading European contract designer.

The Smart HMI Stick has a full LINUX operating system, an ARM 9 processor, custom software and a Wi-Fi microcard that creates an independent Wi-Fi network with a range of a few metres that a smartphone or tablet can log into. This virtual private network is highly secure, as it cannot connect to the Internet. When the Stick is plugged in, the HMI software is transferred to authorised smart devices within range. When unplugged, the HMI software is locked to prevent unauthorised access.

Martin Muendlein, Engineering Manager at ESCATEC, comments: "This means that, in future, engineers will just have to carry a small USB stick to plug into a wide variety of equipment along with a tablet or smartphone instead of a heavy laptop or a dedicated plug-in control for each machine."