FusionClient: Scalable, robust, multi-touch HMI enables Industrial IoT (IIoT) solutions for Smart Automation

Kontron, a leading global provider of embedded computing technology (ECT), today announced Kontron FusionClient, its latest generation of powerful HMI solutions, a crucial part of Kontron’s IIoT ready Industrial Computer Platform family.

FusionClient is based on the company’s revolutionary and holistic approach to HMI design which optimises usability and functionality, empowering solutions architects, systems integrators and machine builders to place the full potential of the Industrial IoT and Smart Automation at users’ fingertips. With user experience, reliability, scalability and connectivity being top customer priorities, the innovative and modular FusionClient HMI combines an edgeless, easy-clean, pure glass multi-touch interface with the industry proven performance and flexibility of the Kontron COM Express® Computer-on-Module.

Intuitive multi-touch access to real-time actionable data makes FusionClient well suited for use with real-time SCADA and Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) monitoring and control applications. Holistic, single pane of glass views of the entire production process across individual or multiple sites will lead to increased productivity and more informed and timely decision making.

With the growing importance of sharing Operational Technology (OT) Data with on-premise or cloud-based Enterprise IT Systems, and to meet the requirements for comprehensive data visualisation, FusionClient is WiFi-enabled for seamless connectivity with plant machinery and other connected devices on the plant floor. The unique placement of the FusionClient’s WiFi antennas directly behind the glass front ensure full bandwidth even if the FusionClient is mounted in a cabinet door.

Equipping FusionClient with an innovative LED alarm bar for providing machine status alerting even when the display is dimmed, is a further example of Kontron’s commitment to ensuring an enhanced user experience and increased productivity when conducting real-time data acquisition and monitoring.

For maximum connectivity to suit the widest possible Smart Automation requirements, the new FusionClient HMI’s extensive I/O features include 1x Dual Channel LVDS display, 2x GbE, 1x USB 3.0. and 2x 2.0 ports,1x RS-232, SD card reader, Mini PCI Express slot and optional I/O expansion board which allows easy customisation of I/O using standard products. In addition, mass storage support is included for eMMC, mSATA, 2.5” SSD, and SD card...