European sales of HMIs (human machine interfaces) will surge from $541.9m in 2009 to $819.7m by 2016, spurred by the increasing technical capabilities of displays and by a strong demand from infrastructure projects. The market analyst Frost & Sullivan says that although the financial crisis affected most end-user sectors, demand for HMIs has been sustained by government-aided stimulus packages.

F&S suggests that users are looking for HMIs that can do more. “Currently, customers are not satisfied with the usual features of data monitoring offered by HMI,” it says. “They want the system to be more intelligent and intuitive.”

F&S cites the example of HMIs with integrated video capabilities which could help to diagnose faults.

“The need for newer and more sophisticated displays is gaining importance,” says F&S industry analyst. Sivakumar Narayanaswamy. “The ability of an HMI to fulfil this demand is continuing to drive the growth of the HMI market.

“Software is the key to intelligent HMI solutions,” he adds. “An appropriate mix of technologically advanced hardware and software will successfully address the demand for more intelligent functionality.”