Human-machine interaction (HMI) is all about how people communicate with and control technology. It is most commonly used in industrial areas, such as manufacturing and automation. Below, let’s look at how HMI has developed over the years, what is available now, and where it is likely to head next.
‘Talking’ to Machines
The first systems required users to adapt to the machine, rather than the other way around. That involved learning to physically control devices. Over the years, the goal shifted to creating machines that adapt to humans.
Today, HMI involves more than only physical input, with brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) as an example. Neural signals can help humans and machines better communicate or ‘talk.’
About Early Systems
Switches, levels, and dials required users to physically move them. When computers came along, keyboards and then mice became the standard. Humans move these accessories to tell computers what to do.
The benefits have included better workplace productivity and more precision. But there have been challenges, too, particularly for those with limited mobility. Plus, training is typically needed to learn how to properly use mice and keyboards, and the user must be physically present to move these devices. Given these limitations, improving systems became a priority, leading to the development of touchscreens.
Making Progress with Touchscreens
Do you remember when the touchscreen first appeared? It was a major upgrade. With a touchscreen, you can literally touch the screen to change the content, rather than using an intermediary device (mouse or keyboard).
From there came voice assistants (controlling devices through spoken commands) and gesture controls like VR headsets (controlling devices through bodily movements). While the touch, voice, and gesture features these updates provided improved accessibility and were more intuitive, they still required physical movement or speech. That has been challenging for those with vocal or motor impairments.
Exciting Updates in HMI
Today, technologies can monitor heart rate, muscle activity (EMG), eye movement, and skin response. The body generates signals from within, and the machines react. As opposed to visible actions.
BCIs are an exciting development. Brain-computer interfaces use neural signals, often captured via technologies such as EEG. BCIs translate brain activity patterns into machine commands.
BCI uses direct interaction, not requiring physical movement. Companies providing BCI development services show how these technologies are moving out of the lab and into functional, working devices. There are big updates happening in HMI, where machines respond directly to what people think and feel, instead of waiting for their physical actions.
Looking Ahead
What comes next in the field of HMI? Human-machine interaction is unlikely to rely on a single input method. Instead, systems will likely use a combination of touch, voice, gestures, and neural activity, rather than just depending on one of them. The systems will also consider context and the user’s purpose.
HMI technology will continue to improve, based on what’s needed in manufacturing plants and elsewhere. Artificial intelligence plays a part, too, as machines learn from users over time, anticipating their needs without waiting for commands. These developments will affect gaming, VR, healthcare, workplace tech, and more.
