Open-system HMI market expected to triple

The worldwide market for open-system human-machine interfaces (HMIs) will more than triple over the next five years, according to a recent study by IMS Research. The market is projected to grow at a 25.4% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from an estimated $48.8 million in 2003 to approximately $151.

By Staff February 1, 2005

The worldwide market for open-system human-machine interfaces (HMIs) will more than triple over the next five years, according to a recent study by IMS Research. The market is projected to grow at a 25.4% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from an estimated $48.8 million in 2003 to approximately $151.3 million in 2008.

Open HMIs use an open operating system, typically Microsoft Windows CE. IMS reports that firms offering these products have increased recently, which has expanded available products and marketing that is educating users and raising awareness of open HMIs. These factors account for a large proportion of the forecast growth, adds IMS. Open HMIs fill a gap in the market between traditional proprietary HMI products and completely open, industrial panel PCs. Open HMIs typically offer increased functionality and flexibility over traditional HMIs at a lower cost than industrial PCs.