Industrial automation systems can incorporate consumer-grade tablets as powerful HMIs, using a specialized component to provide a secure grip and maintain safety. By Luiz Shida, IDEC Corp. Industrial automation applications are becoming more sophisticated and can take advantage of many features available in consumer-grade mobile smartphone and tablet devices. End users benefit from high-resolution visualization,…
A new generation of enhanced projected capacitive touch solutions
Display solutions and embedded systems provider, Review Display Systems (RDS) has announced the availability of a new generation of projected capacitive (PCAP) touchscreens from leading touch solutions specialist AMT. With a combination of PCAP touchscreens, touch controllers and drivers, AMT can provide best-in-class, fully integrated touch solutions. An extensive line-up of new generation projected capacitive…
Manure spreading goes high-tech with IIoT
One of the key challenges of this century is to find solutions for ensuring access to healthy, diverse, and safe food for a growing global population while limiting the impact on the environment. Advancing sustainability and efficiency with IIoT innovation in today’s agriculture are a central part of the solution. In 2020, Travis Jones, co-owner…
Static/mobile base options for HMIs
A tough new static/mobile base is now available for the profiPLUS 50 range of suspension arms for HMI/panel enclosures and displays. The new base unit offers a smart and robust floor-standing solution for light-to-medium loads. It is a candidate for a wide range of applications including Smart Factory, process automation, robotics and machine controllers. The…
Increased innovation, digital presence increase igus online sales
An increase in the pace of innovation and emphasis on expanding its digital presence in the face of a worldwide pandemic helped igus increase online sales by 30% in 2020. Innovations range from telescopic robot tube packages to dry-running ball bearings with 21 times the standard service life to large-scale 3D printing. Engineers and OEMs…
Special bracket facilitates tablet HMI for industrial machinery
The HT3P Safety Commander addresses a growing need for users who want to incorporate modern tablets into their industrial automation systems, but also need to include hardwired emergency stop (e-stop) and enabled functionality. The Safety Commander makes it easy to hold a tablet securely in an industrial setting, for applications like machinery, robotics, automatic guided…
Protection films for automotive displays prevent scratches, other damage
A line of protection films for vehicle displays protect vivid, often touchscreen displays against dirt, scratches and other damage throughout the supply chain journey from production to delivery to installation. Importantly, the risk of electrostatic discharge (ESD) must be mitigated during the film’s non-residual removal. With that in mind, Schreiner Protech’s new protection films reduce…
Handheld HMI includes touchscreen, function keys, and switches
A new 4.3-in-LCD HG1P handheld human-machine interface (HMI) is aimed at enabling operator interactions for automated machine tending and robotics applications and is said to be the most cost-effective device of its type. At only 500 g and with contoured hand grips, a hand strap, and a wall hanging bracket, the HG1P’s ergonomic design enables…
Tab-Ex 03 D2 is the third generation of the 8-inch Android tablet series
The Pepperl+Fuchs brand ECOM Instruments continues its successful 8-inch Tab-Ex series with the intrinsically safe Tab-Ex 03 D2 tablet. The successor to the Tab-Ex 02 D2 is the third generation of Samsung industrial device variants for hazardous areas. Tab-Ex 03 is based on the Samsung Galaxy Tab Active 3. It offers state-of-the-art technology for harsh…
How to upgrade your HMI for semi-outdoor environments
When a non-temperature-controlled recycling facility had issues with a 5-yr-old existing display panel, its team had to look for a replacement. A semi-outdoor location, the recycling facility regularly faced temperatures below freezing, and visibility was challenging with all the natural light. The cold temperatures created a sluggish response from the display. Additionally, the non-tempered glass…
XTS HMI control software enhances eXtended transport system
The mechatronic eXtended Transport System (XTS) from Beckhoff now includes an application-specific HMI Control for visualization of dynamic product transport. The proven XTS technology already supported collision-free motion with movers working independently or in groups and delivering dynamic, high-precision positioning on customer-specific track geometries. The new HMI software extension generates matching visualizations from an existing…
Emerson launches modular industrial displays
Emerson has released the new portfolio of RXi industrial display and panel PC products for monitoring, visualizing, and enhancing everyday production processes in life sciences, metals and mining, power and water, and manufacturing and machinery. A modular design is foundational to the industrial display platform, enabling users to select the right configuration based on application…
Display film combines marking, adhesive bonding qualities
An integrated film-based solution for partially translucent displays calle Color Laser Film Translucent is an alternative to pre-printed design films, efficiently combining the functions of marking and adhesive bonding into one flexible, customizable product. Translucence refers to an object’s light permeability and is a characteristic frequently found in sectors such as household appliances, mobility and…
Schmersal two-hand control panels
AutomationDirect has added Schmersal two-hand control panels to its lineup of safety products. These control systems are used with a special control monitoring relay and require an operator to use both hands simultaneously when initiating a hazardous operation. This forces an operator to keep their hands on the two-hand control actuator and out of an…
High-performing dc panel meters deliver robust displays in small form factor
A series of dc panel meters are developed for industrial and laboratory voltage and current measurement applications. The miniaturized DMR35 series includes a +48-V common-mode input range and is powered from a 9-32-Vdc external source. Building on that, it provides a unique bar-graph display of up to 3.5 digits that accompany a traditional numeric panel…
Joysticks get ergonomic handle option
The new RT handle is an ergonomic grip offering a wide combination of pushbutton and Hall-effect thumbwheel combinations. Designed exclusively for APEM’s XD series joystick, the RT grip provides IP67 above panel sealing and is ideally suited for vehicle applications requiring dedicated right hand operation. Utilizing detailed “voice of the customer” studies, the RT handle…
ADISRA announces release of SmartView V4.0 SP1
ADISRA has announced the availability of the ADISRA SmartView V4.0 Service Pack 1 (SP1), now available for immediate download on their website. ADISRA SmartView is a complete human machine interface (HMI) and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) package, designed specifically for machine builder OEMs and discrete part manufacturers so they can develop effective interfaces…
IDEC introduces HG1P handheld HMI
IDEC Corporation introduces the new 4.3-in. LCD screen size HG1P handheld human-machine interface (HMI). This lightweight and robust HMI is the right-sized way to enhance operator interactions for automated machine tending and robotics applications, and it is the most cost-effective device of its type. User-First Design At only 500g and with contoured hand grips, a…
TFT LCDs target industrial and medical uses
A new product family of TFT LCD Modules (Thin Film Transistor – Liquid Crystal Display) called the new P-Series (Professional Series) targets requirements of the industrial and medical display markets. The first products in this new series will include XGA displays (8.4, 10.4, and 12.1 in), as well as wide-format products, from 7-in WVGA to…
Customizable Industrial PC for unique applications
Pro-face America announces the release of the new PS6000 Modular IPC Series. This exciting new series offers a modular design with flexible options tailored to the customer’s needs. Units are available with multiple screen sizes, processor options, and are configurable (or can be bundled) with BLUE HMI Development Software or BLUE Open Studio Lite SCADA…
New application note showcases surface inspection solutions
AMETEK Surface Vision, the leading provider of surface inspection solutions for industrial markets, offers versatile systems to ensure material quality during the manufacturing process of the different layers in touch panels and screens. The benefits of its accurate, automated inline surface inspection systems are explained in a new application note that focuses on solutions for mobile…
Opaque optical glass cover enables sleek, uncluttered front-panel designs
The Dead Front Effect (DFE) is a new highly opaque optical cover glass for front panel designs. For equipment and systems using high brightness TFT display modules with graphical user interfaces, implementing a Dead Front Effect enables a clean, uncluttered, front panel to be easily created. When integrated on to the top surface of a…
IDEC launches HG1P Handheld HMI
IDEC Corporation introduces the new 4.3-in. LCD screen size HG1P handheld human-machine interface (HMI). This lightweight and robust HMI is the right-sized way to enhance operator interactions for automated machine tending and robotics applications, and it is the most cost-effective device of its type. User-First Design At only 500g and with contoured hand grips, a…
WAGO enlarges its Touch Panel 600 product line
WAGO is expanding its line of Touch Panel 600 Industrial Operator Interface devices with eight new large-screen options. Both the Standard and Advanced Lines offer the choice of a 15.6” or 21.5” screen. The Standard Line has a resistive touch screen for general-purpose applications. Our Advanced devices offer multi-touch with gesture recognition technology, supporting glove…
Easy install, easy maintenance, easy programming
Pro-face America announces the release of the new STM6000 Modular HMI Series. This high performance, energy efficient, HMI offers extensive uses in a wide range of applications. Available in with two popular display sizes, including 4” and 7” wide screen and easily interchangeable back ends, this modular unit paired with Pro-face’s HMI development software can…