Wireless remote controls are used in many mobile applications to allow operators to work more precisely by providing a better view of the work process. Wireless remote controls with integrated HMIs also display relevant machine and process data, thereby further improving workflows. The radio remote control manufacturer NBB Controls + Components relies on customized HMIs from Graf Syteco to offer machine operators maximum control and durability.
Radio-controlled remote controls ensure safety and precision in a virtually unlimited variety of applications. For example, The radio remote control for concrete pumps enables precise and safe control of the distribution boom and the pumping process. The machine operator can position themselves where they have the best view of the area to be poured, rather than being tied to the control units of a vehicle located far away.
This allows for significantly more precise control of boom movements, swing functions, and material handling capacity, enabling complex construction projects to be carried out efficiently. In addition, radio control allows for positioning within safe areas. This can be advantageous, for example, with tracked mulchers, which can dislodge branches and stones while working in the underbrush—objects that could pose a potential injury hazard.
Joystick Transmitter with Integrated HMI
NBB Controls + Components, headquartered in Ölbronn-Dürrn near Pforzheim, is one of the leading manufacturers of flexible, remote-controlled turnkey solutions for construction technology, mobile hydraulics, firefighting technology, industrial technology, forestry, and municipal technology. The products are characterized by maximum durability and the integration of smart technologies. For example, the Surface-Mounted Pushbuttons (SMP) and Joysticks (SMJ) allow worn-out controls to be replaced easily and conveniently right on site.
For demanding applications, NBB Controls + Components also offers display integration. This allows the machine operator to see all relevant data—such as transmitter and Machine information or error descriptions. Video signals can also be transmitted wirelessly. This gives the operator even more feedback on how their inputs on the joystick transmitter interact with the machine operating remotely.
When selecting a partner for these HMI components, the choice fell on Graf Syteco from Tuningen. Lucas Grahl, Team Lead for Embedded Software at NBB Controls + Components, explains the reasons behind this decision: “Graf Syteco stood out for its flexibility, both in hardware and software. Furthermore, Graf Syteco operates in the same industries as we do, so the company’s HMIs inherently meet the necessary robustness requirements for our target applications.”
Highly Customized HMI Solution
NBB Controls + Components uses HMIs from Graf Syteco in its Nano-media and Nano-magna joystick transmitters. The 4.3-inch HMI provided for these applications was custom-developed for the radio remote control manufacturer. Both the display—in 16:9 widescreen format with a resolution of 480x272—and the circuit board, including the Wi-Fi module, were custom-tailored to the radio remote control manufacturer’s needs. Lucas Grahl explains: “The Wi-Fi module is necessary for installing updates and for the wireless transmission of camera feeds. The former is particularly crucial in light of the Cyber Resilience Act—that is, to protect against tampering. The latter makes the work process even more precise and safer, especially when considering applications with long distances between the machine and the end point of the process, such as in concrete pumps or crane and lifting applications.”
Using Graf-Syteco’s GSe-VISU software, machine manufacturers can create custom display interfaces for their applications via a visual interface. Code-based programming is not required. Threshold values, shapes, start and stop angles, fonts, symbol effects, and color schemes can be customized so that the HMI’s look and feel aligns with the machine manufacturer’s vision and corporate identity. In this way, OEMs and system integrators can implement user-friendly, tailor-made user interfaces for their applications without having to rely on the support of specialized programmers.
Using Graf-Syteco's GSe-VISU software, machine manufacturers can create suitable user interfaces for their applications
Customers can rely on NBB Controls + Components' integration support to provide machine data. This ensures seamless communication between the machine, the joystick transmitter, and the HMI.
A Shared Understanding of Flexibility
The long-standing collaboration between the two companies from Baden-Württemberg has also recently led to another joint development project. The HyPro+ series is also receiving an HMI upgrade. Graf Syteco is providing a customized, high-resolution 3.2-inch HMI for the joystick transmitter used in hydraulic applications. This HMI will also be customizable via the GSe-VISU software in the future.
Lucas Grahl concludes: “Graf Syteco and we share a similar approach to customer-specific designs and solutions. We don’t limit ourselves, but instead offer flexible modular systems that can be tailored very specifically to the customer’s requirements. This allows us to provide our customers with exactly the solution they need. And Graf Syteco provides us with the perfectly tailored HMI systems for this purpose. Our joint appearances at international industry trade shows are just one example of how deeply we live out this partnership. We look forward to implementing further innovative solutions with Graf Syteco.”