Human–machine interface

Related papers: 20

About

A human–machine interface (HMI) is the set of hardware and software mechanisms through which humans communicate with and control machines, and through which machines convey information back to users. In robotics and AI, HMIs span a broad spectrum—from physical joysticks and touchscreens to sophisticated biosignal-based systems that interpret electromyography, electroencephalography, eye movements, and gestures to translate human intent into robotic action. Flexible skin-mounted sensors, tactile arrays, and printed electronics further extend HMI capabilities by capturing nuanced physiological and environmental data in real time. HMIs are central to applications including assistive wheelchairs, medical exoskeletons, teleoperated robots, autonomous delivery vehicles, and brain–machine interfaces, enabling people with varying physical and cognitive abilities to interact with complex systems intuitively and safely. They matter because the quality of the interface directly determines system usability, safety, and effectiveness—a well-designed HMI reduces operator cognitive load, enables shared autonomy between human and machine, and makes advanced robotic technology accessible to diverse users, including those with disabilities.

Top Cited Papers

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