Text-based HMIs survive emergence of touch-based HMIs

Wellingborough, U.K.; Austin, TX—Touch-based displays are the fastest growing, most publicized part of the human-machine interface (HMI) hardware market, but the text-based HMI sector is still surprisingly healthy, according to a new European market study from IMS Research.

By Control Engineering Staff April 16, 2003

Wellingborough, U.K.; Austin, TX— Touch-based displays are the fastest growing, most publicized part of the human-machine interface (HMI) hardware market, but the text-based HMI sector is still surprisingly healthy, according to a new European market study from IMS Research . Text displays and text operator panels together were estimated to account for 22.7% of the market in 2002.

While previous reports and opinions suggest that the text-based HMI market is rapidly dying, with some forecasting a market shrinking at more than 20% annually, this latest IMS study shows a substantially slower rate of decline. For example, sales of simple text displays are projected to decline to an annual level of approximately 9.8 million euros by 2006, but are then expected to settle at that point.

‘The market for these low-end products will not just disappear. Yes, there is a definite migration toward higher-level, graphical products, but they cannot completely replace entry-level products, if for no other reason than price,’ says John Devlin, an IMS analyst. ‘Text operator panels will suffer to a greater degree because they are more vulnerable to new low-cost touch screen products being introduced to the market. However, this decline will be slowed initially by the sluggish economy, in which OEMs and end-users are more hesitant to introduce new systems and machine designs.’

In terms of units shipped, the report adds that it’s clear to see the strength of the text-based HMI sector. Text displays and text operator panels combined were estimated to account for close to half of all HMIs sold in Europe last year.

Control Engineering Daily News DeskJim Montague, news editorjmontague@reedbusiness.com


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