Heerbrugg, Switzerland - 25 February 2014 - A major problem with many machines is that the Human Machine Interface (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 port can now be used to create a much more user-friendly control interface by using a USB stick to create a short-range WiFi link to a tablet or smartphone that runs a custom app to control the machine.  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.

"This approach solves a big issue in the Embedded Market - the rapidly rising costs of developing a user interface device as everyone is trying to create control devices that look like a smartphone or tablet with multi-touch and gesture control for intuitive and easy interaction," explained Andreas Beu, Smart HMI's CEO.    "Our solution cuts this out by enabling an actual smartphone or tablet to be used, which removes out the cost of custom hardware design and manufacture every time.  This also provides a rapid time to market as all that needs to be created is the software for the HMI application as the hardware is standard."

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 GmbH, that will create the apps to suit customers' machines in cooperation with usability and user experience expert, User Interface Design (UID) GmbH.  The Smart HMI Stick has been special designed by ESCATEC, a leading European contract designer.

The principle of the Smart HMI Stick

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, added,  "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."

Suitable for all platforms

Smart HMI is a spin out from ESCATEC's long-term partner UID.

Further information about Smart HMI GmbH: www.smart-hmi.de   

Further information on UID GmbH, service provider for interactive products with passion for great usability and a unique user experience: www.uid.com

About ESCATEC

The ESCATEC Group provides fully-integrated electronic and mechatronic design and manufacturing solutions to assist customers in achieving success.  Its one-stop EMS solutions and best-in-class service enable companies around the world to operate more profitably, sustainably and efficiently. Founded in 1974, its history is full of innovation, which made it a first choice partner for many European and North American OEMs.  The Swiss-owned company perfectly blends Swiss business philosophy and attention to quality, precision and detail with the advantage of low-cost, mass-volume manufacturing capabilities in its Asian factories. 

Further information about ESCATEC, one of Europe's leading providers of contract design and manufacturing services:  www.escatec.com