Human-machine interfaces (HMIs) for IoT are systems that enable user interaction with smart devices and IoT systems. HMIs in the context of IoT include both physical interfaces (e.g. touch panels, mobile devices) and virtual solutions (e.g. mobile apps, voice control, augmented reality). Their purpose is to enable users to monitor, control, and analyse data generated by IoT devices and adjust the operating parameters of IoT devices in real time. These interfaces can take the form of interactive dashboards, applications with Artificial intelligence elements, or advanced data visualisation systems.
Human-Machine Interfaces (HMI) for IoT
Type of technology
Description of the technology
Basic elements
- Input devices: Modules that enable interaction with the system (touch screens, keyboards, microphones).
- Output devices: Modules that present data to the user (monitors, projectors, VR goggles, audio systems).
- HMI software: Tools for creating and managing interfaces, such as SCADA and mobile applications.
- Analytics platform: Modules that integrate data from various IoT devices and present results in an intuitive way.
- Security systems: Mechanisms to ensure secure user interaction with devices and data protection.
Industry usage
- Industry 4.0: Interfaces for monitoring and controlling production processes.
- Smart homes: Control panels for managing HVAC, lighting, and security systems.
- Health care: Mobile applications for remote monitoring of patient health.
- Transportation: Vehicle fleet control and management systems.
- Agriculture: Interfaces for monitoring crop conditions and managing agricultural equipment.
Importance for the economy
Human-machine interfaces play a key role in the integration of IoT devices across industries, enabling users to control complex systems in a simple and intuitive way. With modern interfaces, it is possible to better manage industrial processes, optimise energy consumption, and improve the safety and user experience of IoT devices. In the industrial sector, HMIs make it possible to quickly diagnose problems and increase operational efficiency. In the context of smart buildings and cities, these interfaces contribute to better control of energy consumption, monitoring of security systems, and integration of various city services.
Related technologies
Mechanism of action
- Human-machine interfaces for IoT are based on collecting data from IoT devices, processing it in real time, and presenting it to the user in an easy-to-understand form. Users can make changes through input interfaces (e.g. clicks, voice commands) and the system transmits the appropriate commands to IoT devices to change their operating parameters. These interfaces are key to enabling rapid response to changing conditions and adapting system operation to user preferences. Modern interfaces can also integrate augmented reality (AR) and machine learning elements, enabling more intuitive control of systems and real-time data insights.
Advantages
- Intuitiveness: Simple operation of complex systems through interactive interfaces.
- Quick response: Enabling instant interaction and control of IoT devices.
- Real-time visualisation: Graphical presentation of data and changes in real time.
- Personalisation: Ability to customise the interface according to user preferences.
- Cybersecurity: Support for advanced authentication and data protection methods.
Disadvantages
- Data security: Risk of interception of confidential information or manipulation of data.
- Compatibility issues: Different standards and protocols can hinder integration with different devices.
- Interface complexity: Overcomplicating the interface can lead to user errors.
- Platform addiction: Limited portability of applications between different service providers.
- Implementation costs: High cost of developing and implementing advanced HMIs.
Implementation of the technology
Required resources
- HMI devices: Touch panels, interactive displays, and wearable devices.
- Software: User interface development tools, such as Qt, SCADA, and Unity.
- Network infrastructure: Stable links for real-time communication.
- UX/UI specialists: Experts in designing intuitive user interfaces.
- Security systems: Monitoring and user authentication tools.
Required competences
- UX/UI design: Creating intuitive user interfaces to control IoT devices.
- Application programming: Developing mobile, web, and desktop applications to support IoT.
- Human-computer interaction: Knowledge of ergonomic principles and HMI communication methods.
- Access management: Implementation of authorisation and user management methods.
- Virtual reality and AR: Creating HMIs in the context of augmented and virtual reality.
Environmental aspects
- Energy consumption: Optimisation of energy consumption of interfaces and display devices.
- Emissions of pollutants: The manufacture of HMI components, such as LCD screens, generates chemical contamination.
- Recycling: Difficulties in recycling complex display modules and sensors.
- Raw material consumption: High demand for rare metals in display and sensor manufacturing.
- Waste generated: Difficulties in disposing of HMI devices at the end of the product life cycle.
Legal conditions
- Safety of use: Standards for the safety of human-machine interaction in various environments (industry, medicine).
- Privacy protection: Regulations for the protection of data sent across interfaces (e.g. GDPR).
- Device certification: Standards for electromagnetic compatibility and electrical safety of HMI devices.
- Ergonomic standards: Regulations for ergonomics of user interfaces to minimise the risk of injury or fatigue to users.
- Export regulations: Export regulations for HMI technology with strategic or military applications.