Bosch Packaging Technology, a German supplier of process and packaging technology, is offering a new Human Machine Interface for its stand-alone machines and complete pharmaceutical packaging lines.
The HMI 4.0 provides an interface for data collection, data sharing and visualisation.
From next year's Interpack, Bosch will successively equip all new processing and packaging units with the HMI 4.0.
'This is a revolutionary innovation. The aim is to ensure that all our machines feature the latest hardware and control technology, and also provide a consistent user guidance with the same comprehensible surface,' said Stefan König, member of the board of management at Bosch Packaging Technology.
The new HMI offers guided workflows, which lead operators through each step of production processes. The same applies to format changes, cleaning and maintenance, as well as other processes.
The display resembles that of mobile devices such as smartphones or tablets. An intuitive, touch-sensitive surface allows data to be entered with gestures (multi-touch), including zooming in and out with two fingers – 'pinch and stretch' – as well as navigation by swiping.
'In future, machines and systems will be easier to operate since operators have a uniform navigation concept with the same basic functions for each machine of a line,' said König.
'Even existing machines may be retrofitted upon request.'
A clearly arranged, tile-structured menu, provides operators with a quick overview of all functions and processes of their machines.
Tailored to specific user roles, such as operator or line manager, the HMI 4.0 only displays the processes relevant to the current user.
Bosch says the HMI 4.0 provides comprehensive, integrated support as well as more transparent processes and notifications.
In case of production downtime, operators are immediately notified about the causes and offered troubleshooting support so that their machines can be quickly restarted.
Direct links to user manuals and format changeover lists assist users in their day-to-day tasks.
A new comment section also enables users to add their own notes and share them with others.
'The HMI 4.0 provides an immediate overview of all production parameters and data,' said König.
'This is especially important with regard to the big amount of data in the connected industry. During production, all key information is summarised on a central dashboard.
'With its standardised interfaces, the HMI 4.0 is a central element for the connection to other solutions.'
The new HMI is already in use on first machines at several customer sites and their feedback has contributed to its development.
It will be shown for the first time at FachPack 2016 (Hall 3A, Stand 337) in Nuremberg, Germany, this week (27–29 September).
It will be exhibited on the PME ZAP vertical form, fill and seal machine for sealed paper packages for dry products such as sugar.
In the US, Bosch will present the HMI 4.0 at Pack Expo (South Hall, Stand 3514) in Chicago from 6–9 November.
It will be demonstrated on a Kliklok Enterprise endload cartoner for bag-in-box solutions by the Bosch subsidiary Kliklok-Woodman.