HMI
Overview
While at Myriad Genetics, I led an HMI rollout that brought comprehensive PLC visibility to over 30 instruments and workcells across 3 labs. Working closely with our support team, I designed custom Beckhoff TwinCAT interfaces focused on intuitive navigation and real-time usability. To make future deployments effortless, I developed a semi-automated template workflow. From selecting and wiring the server to crafting the UI, I built an end-to-end solution that made troubleshooting faster, increased instrument health visibility, and made daily operations smoother for lab staff and engineers
Role
Hardware Automation Engineer
Project Lead
Timeline
6 months
Tools + Skills
Control Systems + Automation: Beckhoff TwinCAT 3 HMI Engineering, HMI Design, Customized HMI Templates, Computer Networking (Ethernet/IP Architecture), Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC)
Electrical & Hardware Design: Server selection, Electrical Component Selection, Electrical Wiring, Wiring Diagrams
UX/UI Design: HMI Design, Lucidchart, Accessibility Design, Interaction Design
Engineering Process: Design Reviews, Commissioning + Testing
Documentation: Design Journals, Troubleshooting + Maintenance Guides, Bill of Materials (BOM), Arena Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), Github Repository
HMIs
Setting the Screen
What is an HMI?
An HMI, or Human-Machine Interface, allows users to send and receive information to a machine in a human readable format. HMIs are common in automated production environments to monitor system health at a glance and make adjustments.
You may have also encountered HMIs in everyday life:
ATMs
Hospital Patient Monitors
Car Dashboard Displays
Where are they used?
The HMI I designed at Myriad Genetics cover 10 PLCs which automate 30 Liquid Handlers, 2 Workcells, and 1 conveyor system across 3 labs.
The PLCs and HMIs on site encompass automated systems including:
Water and Waste
L3 Autonomous Microplate Processing Workcells
Liquid Consumable Levels
Pump Boxes
Liquid Handler Interlocks
Liquid Dispensers
Why use them?
HMIs enable engineers and lab staff to interpret PLC information in a friendlier format. There’s no need to sort through code/variables to find information or send commands. HMIs aid in in monitoring, controlling, and troubleshooting instruments on the production floor.
At Myriad Genetics HMIs depict hardware status:
Pumps, Valves, Pressure Transducers
Carboy Volume
Spill Sensor Status
Liquid Handler Interlocks + Errors
Safety System Alarms i.e. Light Curtain, LOTO, Light Stacker
Want to learn more?
Check out the full project portfolio below.
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