Operators see bright screens in their future

HMIs borrow from tablets, phones to help operators perform a broad range of tasks.

The shift to electronic features means that operators interact with human-machine interfaces (HMIs) on a daily basis. Flat panel displays are becoming a far more prominent element of equipment designs, guiding operators through their daily tasks while also providing a range of other information.

Operators familiar with smart phones, tablets, and touch screens in cars want the same types of control and information features. Design teams are taking many routes to make it simpler for operators to perform the growing number of tasks managed by electronic controls. Liquid crystal displays (LCDs) are now a central component in operator controls, which continue to grow in importance.