Abstract: A human machine interface for an industrial automation control system includes at least one touchless input device that is adapted to be in a first state in which said human machine interface provides a first input to said industrial automation control system or a second state in which said human machine interface provides a second input to said industrial automation control system. The at least one touchless input device includes first and second touchless input sensors each configured to detect hand gestures of an operator's hand to provide input to said human machine interface based upon said gestures. The first and second touchless input sensors can be identical with respect to each other or different. In one example, one or both of the sensors are both time-of-flight sensors and one of the sensors can be an electric field proximity sensor. A method of providing a human machine interface with at least one touchless input device is provided.

Abstract: An electronic safety function lock-unlock system includes a human-machine interface (HMI) device. The HMI device includes a touchscreen display for touch input and one or more cameras for capturing gesture input data and operator facial image data. The HMI device is operatively connected to a power switch unit or similar device for selectively interrupting conduction of electrical power to industrial equipment for safety. An operator initiates a lock operation with respect to the equipment using first touchscreen or first gesture input to perform a lock operation to disconnect the industrial equipment from electrical power. An operator initiates an unlock operation or condition (to remove a lock condition) with respect to the equipment using second touchscreen input or second gesture input. The HMI optionally require vocal confirmation from an operator of a requested lock or unlock operation.

Abstract: A human machine interface for an industrial automation control system includes at least one touchless input device that is adapted to be in a first state in which said human machine interface provides a first input to said industrial automation control system or a second state in which said human machine interface provides a second input to said industrial automation control system. The at least one touchless input device includes first and second touchless input sensors each configured to detect hand gestures of an operator's hand to provide input to said human machine interface based upon said gestures. The first and second touchless input sensors can be identical with respect to each other or different. In one example, one or both of the sensors are both time-of-flight sensors and one of the sensors can be an electric field proximity sensor. A method of providing a human machine interface with at least one touchless input device is provided.