News

What are the functions of human-machine interfaces in forklift controls?

Forklifts come in various types for specific tasks. Whether you use counterbalance forklifts, pallet jacks, or stand-up forklifts, all are equipped with HMIs that allow operators to precisely control movement and load handling. These human-machine interfaces include a combination of joysticks, pushbuttons, and indicator lights, making for efficient and safe operation in industrial and logistics environments.

Synapse: the adaptive joystick concept for next-generation defense systems

As military vehicles evolve, shouldn’t their controls adapt too? Modern defense platforms are changing rapidly. Remote weapon stations, unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs), autonomous naval vessels, and drone deployment systems are becoming increasingly common across military operations. The future of the battlefield is one in which operators are no longer physically present inside the vehicles they control. Instead, they manage remote platforms, supervise autonomous systems, or coordinate multiple vehicles simultaneously. This evolution creates new challenges for human-machine interaction. Traditional joystick designs offer fixed sensitivity and response characteristics. However, modern missions are rarely fixed. Operators face different terrains, mission profiles, vehicle behaviors, and operational objectives throughout a single deployment. This is where adaptive control concepts such as APEM’s Synapse can redefine the operator experience.

Operating in silence - Communication systems in submarines

Deep beneath the ocean surface, a military submarine operates in complete isolation. Cut off from conventional communication channels, surrounded by pressure and silence, every piece of information exchanged becomes critical. A delayed message, a misunderstood signal, or an unclear interface can have immediate operational consequences. In this environment, communication systems are not just technical tools, they are lifelines. They must ensure secure, real-time, and unambiguous data exchange between crew members, command units, and external forces, all within extreme physical and operational constraints. Just as importantly, the human-machine interface (HMI) must allow operators to interact with these systems instantly and intuitively, even under stress.

Inside a military vehicle cockpit: How rugged HMIs provide full control

Dust shakes through the cabin, the engine roars, and the terrain outside is anything but predictable. Inside a military vehicle, there’s no room for hesitation or failure, every command must respond instantly, even in the harshest conditions. In this environment, rugged human-machine interfaces become more than controls: they are the silent link between operator and machine. This article explores how these systems are engineered to withstand extreme military conditions while keeping full operational precision.

ARE YOUR MACHINES AS SAFE AS YOU THINK THEY ARE?

Your vehicle or machine stops unexpectedly. An operator is hurt. The investigation reveals a component failure that could have been predicted — but wasn't. This is not a hypothetical scenario. Every day, in industrial environments, equipment malfunctions and human errors combine to create dangerous situations. If you are questioning the safety integrity of your vehicles and machines, you are not alone. On the occasion of World Day for Safety and Health at Work, on April 28 , APEM invites you to look at safety differently — not as a compliance checkbox, but as something that starts at the component level.

What is APEM’s QHSE strategy?

APEM’s QHSE strategy improves organizational performance by ensuring compliance, managing quality, health, safety, and environmental risks, and promoting continuous improvement. Through process standardization and digitalized monitoring, this customer-driven strategy enables real-time anomaly detection and proactive risk management.

APEM’s QHSE standards and certifications

At APEM, quality, safety, and environmental responsibility are embedded in every stage of our operations. Our QHSE framework is supported by internationally recognized standards and certifications that ensure consistent manufacturing processes, reliable products, and full regulatory compliance across our global sites. From certified quality management systems and automotive industry standards to internationally approved product certifications, APEM applies rigorous controls and qualification processes to guarantee performance, safety, and reliability. In parallel, we actively comply with global regulatory requirements and pursue responsible industrial practices that support sustainability, employee safety, and ethical supply chains.

Combat-proven HMI solutions for soldier equipment

Modern soldier systems have evolved into highly integrated technological ecosystems. Beyond protection and firepower, today’s equipment incorporates advanced Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs) that enable seamless interaction with communication systems, weapon platforms, and autonomous vehicles. In operational environments where milliseconds matter, the interface becomes a decisive factor. A soldier must interact with multiple systems, often simultaneously, while under stress, fatigue, and environmental constraints. Control interfaces must therefore combine lightweight design, extreme durability, intuitive operation, and ergonomic integration.

Detect the fault before it becomes a risk with the new IX NAMUR

On a construction site, inside a special vehicle, or in a handheld control unit, operators rarely think about the button they press, until it fails. The most dangerous situation is not a button that stops responding. It is a button that still sends a signal while the electrical path is compromised. Dust can enter a panel, vibrations can loosen a connection, moisture can change resistance, and a cable can break internally. In all these cases, a conventional pushbutton may still produce an electrical state that the system interprets as valid. The machine then reacts to a command that was never actually given, or fails to react to a critical one. In safety-related controls, that ambiguity becomes a risk. The IX NAMUR pushbutton was designed to remove that uncertainty. It does not only survive harsh environments, it actively helps the control system determine whether the signal it receives is trustworthy. Instead of being a passive interface between operator and machine, it becomes part of the machine’s safety awareness.