Bosch Packaging Technology Presents HMI of the Next Generation: HMI 4.0
- HMI as optimal gateway for industry 4.0 solutions
- Bosch explores new horizons regarding design and operation
- Development process with focus on user requirements
Bosch Packaging Technology, a leading supplier of process and packaging technology, will be presenting its latest development at the international trade shows FachPack (September 27 to 29, 2016) and Pack Expo (November 6 to 9, 2016): the next generation Human Machine Interface HMI 4.0. The HMI 4.0 is suited for both stand-alone machines and entire lines and is part of Bosch’s industry 4.0 applications. For instance, it provides an interface for data collection, data sharing and visualization.
As of Interpack 2017, Bosch will successively equip all new machines of its 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,” says Stefan König, member of the board of management at Bosch Packaging Technology. “Thereby, Bosch not only explores new horizons with regard to design but also sets a milestone for connected solutions in the processing and packaging industry.”
Improved operation and new functions
A major new feature of the HMI consists in its 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. This facilitates the daily work. The display resembles that of mobile devices like smartphones or tablets. Thanks to an intuitive, touch-sensitive surface, data can 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,” König explains. “Even existing machines may be retrofitted upon request.” Thanks to a clearly arranged, tile-structured menu, operators will benefit from 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.
The HMI 4.0 provides comprehensive, integrated support as well as more transparent processes and notifications. In case of production downtime, operators immediately receive a notification including information about the causes and troubleshooting support to quickly restart their machines. Direct links to user manuals and format changeover lists assist users in their day-to-day tasks. Furthermore, a new comment section enables users to add their own notes and share them with others.
Tailored to customer needs and industry 4.0 requirements
“The HMI 4.0 provides an immediate overview of all production parameters and data. This is especially important with regard to the big amount of data in the connected industry. During production, all key information is summarized on a central dashboard. With its standardized interfaces, the HMI 4.0 is a central element for the connection to other solutions. This way, our customers are fully prepared for upcoming industry 4.0 challenges,” König says.
Bosch has tailored its HMI 4.0 especially to users’ needs and requirements. Machine operators all over the world were interviewed and operating habits observed, since users are always in the center of Bosch’s developments. This is why customers are continuously involved during development processes including prototyping phases. “The new HMI is already in use on first machines of several customers,” König says. “Their keen feedback has proven that this is the right approach.”
System and line competence for industry 4.0
System and line competence as well as connectivity are essential characteristics of the intelligent factory of tomorrow for all productive divisions of Bosch Packaging Technology. System and line competence implies shifting the focus from a single machine to the entire production line by offering complete solutions. These include multiple production stages, as well as further processes within the production environment and a comprehensive service. Technological progress and the increasing digitization open up numerous opportunities to better connect all parts of the value chain by applying integrated industry 4.0 solutions, and to ensure product quality and long-term operability of machines.
Experience the HMI 4.0 live
The new HMI from Bosch will be shown for the first time to a wide professional audience at FachPack 2016 in Nuremberg, Germany, from September 27 to 29, 2016 (hall 3A, booth 337). It will be exhibited on the vertical form, fill and seal machine PME ZAP for sealed paper packages for dry products such as sugar. In the United States, Bosch will present the HMI 4.0 at Pack Expo in Chicago from November 6 to 9, 2016 (south hall, booth 3514) on a Kliklok Enterprise endload cartoner for bag-in-box solutions by the Bosch subsidiary Kliklok-Woodman.
About Bosch Packaging Technology
Based in Waiblingen near Stuttgart, Germany, and employing 6,200 associates, the Bosch Packaging Technology division is one of the leading suppliers of process and packaging technology. At over 30 locations in more than 15 countries worldwide, a highly-qualified workforce develops and produces complete solutions for the pharmaceuticals, food, and confectionery industries. These solutions are complemented by a comprehensive after-sales service portfolio. A global service and sales network provides customers with local points of contact.
Additional information is available online at www.boschpackaging.com.
About Bosch Group
The Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services. It employs roughly 375,000 associates worldwide (as of December 31, 2015). The company generated sales of 70.6 billion euros in 2015. Its operations are divided into four business sectors: Mobility Solutions, Industrial Technology, Consumer Goods, and Energy and Building Technology.
The Bosch Group comprises Robert Bosch GmbH and its roughly 440 subsidiaries and regional companies in some 60 countries. Including sales and service partners, Bosch’s global manufacturing and sales network covers some 150 countries. The basis for the company’s future growth is its innovative strength. Bosch employs 55,800 associates in research and development at 118 locations across the globe. The Bosch Group’s strategic objective is to deliver innovations for a connected life. Bosch improves quality of life worldwide with products and services that are innovative and spark enthusiasm. In short, Bosch creates technology that is “Invented for life.”
Additional information is available online at www.bosch.com, www.bosch-press.com, twitter.com/BoschPresse.
