As industrial machines become more software-driven, human-machine interfaces (HMIs) are evolving beyond traditional physical buttons and control panels. For OEM machine builders, the challenge is no longer simply choosing a touchscreen, but determining how to integrate the display, computing hardware, and connectivity directly into the machine.
In this episode, host Daniel Litwin sits down with Leo Wen, Product Marketing Specialist at Premio, to explore the role of open frame panel PCs in industrial HMI design. From automation equipment and self-service kiosks to portable medical devices, they discuss how OEMs can select the right HMI architecture and why operator interface design should begin early in product development.
From Physical Buttons to Software-Driven HMIs
Why Industrial Machines Are Adopting Touchscreen Computers
Traditional industrial control panels rely on physical buttons, switches, and indicator lights for straightforward machine operations. However, modern industrial equipment increasingly requires real-time data visualization, production monitoring, diagnostics, and access to multiple operating screens.
Touchscreen computers consolidate these functions into a single software-driven interface, allowing OEMs to update controls and expand functionality without constantly adding new physical components.
This does not mean physical buttons are becoming obsolete. Dedicated safety controls, including emergency stop buttons, remain essential where appropriate. Instead, touchscreen HMIs complement physical controls by providing a more flexible interface for non-safety-related operations.
Open Frame Panel PCs vs. Traditional Panel PCs: What's the Difference?
Designed for Direct Integration into Custom Equipment
Unlike conventional panel PCs, open frame panel PCs feature a minimal metal frame without a finished external enclosure or desktop stand. This design allows OEMs to embed the touchscreen and computing hardware directly into custom machine housings.
For equipment manufacturers, the primary advantage is mechanical integration flexibility. Rather than attaching a separate computer or display to a finished machine, OEMs can design the HMI as an integrated part of the equipment.
A conventional industrial panel PC may still be the more straightforward choice for standard installations. Open frame panel PCs become particularly valuable when enclosure dimensions, mounting requirements, cabling, and system appearance are central to the product design.
Where Open Frame HMIs Make the Most Sense
Industrial Machine Builders and Automation Equipment OEMs
For packaging machines, assembly equipment, and industrial inspection systems, open frame HMIs allow touchscreen computing to become part of the machine's enclosure. This can reduce external cabling, simplify integration, and create a cleaner, more unified equipment design.
Self-Service Kiosks and Interactive Terminals
Airport check-in kiosks and self-service terminals often operate within space-constrained enclosures. Integrating the display and computer into one unit helps reduce separate hardware components and cabling while supporting industrial reliability for continuous operation.
Medical Equipment OEMs
Portable healthcare systems and customized medical equipment may require embedded touchscreen interfaces that fit specific enclosure designs. Open frame panel PCs provide integration flexibility, while environmental protection, connectivity, and applicable medical compliance requirements must be evaluated for each application.
Three Key Considerations When Selecting an Open Frame HMI
1. Mechanical Design and Integration
The first consideration is how the touchscreen fits into the overall machine architecture. OEMs should evaluate enclosure dimensions, mounting methods, installation space, and whether the interface can be securely integrated into the final equipment design.
2. Computing Performance and Industrial Connectivity
Beyond display functionality, the HMI must support the required software, visualization applications, and diagnostic tools. Connectivity is equally important, particularly when communicating with PLCs, industrial controllers, sensors, or other external equipment.
Selecting the appropriate I/O configuration early helps ensure the HMI can support both current system requirements and potential future expansion.
3. Environmental Durability and Reliability
Industrial HMIs must operate reliably in their intended deployment environments. Factors such as dust, moisture, power stability, and long-term operating conditions can influence hardware selection.
Understanding these environmental requirements helps OEMs determine whether an open frame panel PC offers the appropriate balance of protection, integration flexibility, and reliability.
Real-World Application: Enabling Portable Telehealth with Open Frame Computing
The Challenge: Integrating Computing into a Portable Medical Device
The episode highlights a physician-led healthcare technology company developing a portable telehealth solution for rural communities and maritime environments.
The customer needed to integrate a touchscreen computer into an existing suitcase-style enclosure while supporting patient interactions, remote monitoring, and connections to multiple medical peripherals.
Although tablet computers were initially considered, the application required greater physical I/O connectivity and integration flexibility than a typical tablet could provide.
The Solution: Premio's HIO Series Open Frame Panel PC
The customer selected Premio's 10.1-inch HIO-W210-ADL Open Frame Panel PC, which combines computing and touchscreen functionality in a compact design suitable for integration into the portable enclosure.
Key capabilities discussed in the episode include:
- Intel® Processor N97 for energy-efficient computing
- 10.1-inch touchscreen with 10-point PCAP touch for interactive operation
- Front-panel IP65 protection against dust and water exposure at the protected interface
- 10x USB for connecting medical devices and peripherals within physical ports and internal cable
- 2x RS-232 interfaces via internal cables for additional device connectivity
- 2.5GbE LAN for high-speed wired networking
- 9–36V DC power input for flexibility in environments with varying supply voltages
By integrating the touchscreen and computer into a single open frame unit, the solution addressed the customer's mechanical integration and peripheral connectivity requirements.
The Takeaway: Integration Matters as Much as Computing Performance
This application demonstrates that selecting an HMI involves more than processor performance or screen size. Physical connectivity, enclosure compatibility, environmental protection, and power requirements can be equally important when developing specialized equipment.
While the deployment was still in an early stage at the time of the discussion, the project illustrates how open frame computing can support customized medical device development for remote healthcare applications.
Six Questions OEM Engineers Should Ask Before Choosing an HMI
Before finalizing an HMI architecture, OEM engineers should evaluate six essential areas:
- Mechanical Integration: Will the touchscreen fit securely within the equipment enclosure?
- Display Scalability: Can the HMI support different machine configurations?
- Computing Requirements: Does the hardware meet the demands of the intended software and applications?
- Industrial Connectivity: Are the necessary I/O interfaces available and accessible?
- Environmental Readiness: Can the HMI withstand the intended operating conditions?
- Long-Term Maintenance: Will the hardware support future servicing and product standardization?
These considerations help OEMs evaluate whether an open frame panel PC, conventional industrial panel PC, or another HMI configuration is the most appropriate solution.
Final Takeaway: HMI Design Shouldn't Be an Afterthought
The central message of this episode is simple: HMI architecture should be considered from the beginning of machine design, not added after the equipment is already developed.
By understanding operator requirements, machine architecture, and environmental conditions early, OEMs can make more informed decisions about display integration, computing performance, and industrial connectivity.
The goal is not necessarily to select the most powerful computer, but to choose the right HMI architecture for the machine, its operators, and its intended application.
Resources Discussed in This Podcast
Ready to take the next step in your HMI design? Explore these resources to learn more about open frame touchscreen computers and their applications.
- Download the HMI Decision Toolkit – Discover five essential questions OEM engineers should ask before integrating an HMI into their machines.
- Explore Premio's HIO Series – Learn how industrial open frame touchscreen computers support flexible integration into custom equipment.
- Read the Telehealth Case Study – See how Premio's open frame touchscreen computer supports a portable telehealth solution for remote environments.
- Read the Blog: Why OEMs Are Moving Toward Integrated Open Frame HMI Computing – Explore the benefits and design considerations driving the shift toward integrated HMI solutions.
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