Delving into the world of Smart HMI innovation. We talked with Dr. Mark Hudman, Chief Technology Officer at In2tec to discover his journey into engineering and gain his insights on Smart HMI technologies.
Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in engineering & lead to the field of Smart HMI?
A: I have had a lifelong passion for engineering being someone who has always enjoyed building things and problem solving. I started writing computer games whilst still at school for the Commodore 64 in the early 1980s as my father refused to buy games and so I decided to write my own, quite successfully as it turned out. That led me into electronics, as the software needed a computer to run on, which took my career in a whole new direction. Firstly, studying for a degree in Electronics before leading to a PhD in automation and robotics in 1997. As such, I have been involved in electronic solutions development for over 40 years; principally in control systems and human-machine interfaces (HMI). In all that time I have remained driven by the belief that we can, and should, push and leverage the best technologies available. Technology developments now enable us to realise our visions for the delivery of Smart HMI solutions, making this a truly exciting time for those of us lucky enough to be working on next-generation HMI applications be it in automotive, aerospace, medical and wearables and beyond in other market sectors.
Q. How does the engineering team typically balance ongoing projects and its commitment to research and development activities?
A. No two days are ever quite the same but can be generally split between active and prospective projects coupled with R&D activities. With some 30% of our engineering dedicated to research activities, primarily focused on the delivery of truly sustainable electronics, we strive to push the boundaries of just what is possible in additive electronics manufacture. I am passionate about driving the enhancement of technologies, both via materials and processes, through our in-house R&D manufacturing capabilities, as well as partner collaborations.
Q: How do you stay updated with the latest trends and advancements in Smart HMI technology?
A: The materials and processes involved in Smart HMI, and Flexi-hibrid™ technologies, are changing and constantly evolving at a rapid pace. Contributions to the betterment of the technologies both from a physical and environmental perspective get published daily through companies and academia alike. Monitoring journals, partnerships with specialist material manufacturers, conferences and published research papers are all sources of information that are harvested to ensure In2tec stay at the forefront of innovation in Smart HMI design and implementation. I encourage the entire Engineering team to ensure they are active in developing, building and widening their knowledge at all times, sharing developments and information with one another, helping us continue to develop leading-edge solutions.
Q: What role does collaboration play in your work, and how do you interact with other teams or departments?
A: As an SME, successful collaborations are key to our business, be that across departments, or externally with suppliers, subcontractors or through collaborative research. The key factor underpinning all our collaborative works is identifying and working with the right partner at the right time, with clearly defined objectives for mutual benefit.
Q: How do you approach problem-solving when faced with complex technical issues in your projects?
A: One of the most famous, meaningful, quotes from Steve Jobs (co-founder and former CEO of Apple) is: “It doesn't make sense to hire smart people and tell them what to do; we hire smart people so they can tell us what to do.” The key is to have a high-functioning team that truly supports each other, to leverage the skills they bring in order to zero in on the best solution to any complex problem. To challenge one another, be willing to listen, and frankly not assume you know all the answers (because you don’t). Creating an environment where everyone can thrive, one in which individuals can bring their authentic best selves to the fore, I believe is critical when it comes to the team solving the thorniest of problems and contributing to continued, innovative success.
Q: What future trends do you see emerging in the field of Smart HMI development, and how do you think they will impact your work?
A: The use of HMI is already a far cry from the days of pushing a button and a light comes on to tell you something has been actioned. The trend for Smart surfaces using fabrics, wood or synthetic materials with integrated sensing and recognition continues to evolve. The use of augmented reality, the ability to aid ergonomics and health through HMI form and function, particularly in wearables, system-level integration, and the ability to increase sustainability by building more environmentally responsible solutions are all features of our technology roadmap.
To find out more about our Smart HMI applications get in touch with us to find out more.
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