TOUCH TAKES HOLD, switches lend a hand

Touch screens are becoming the norm, but knobs and switches are often used to improve operator comfort.

System developers are leaving no technology unturned in their effort to boost performance by improving comfort. Touch screens dominate human-machine interface (HMI) development, but rotary knobs and push buttons remain relevant, as do joysticks, which could replace steering wheels.

The electronic systems in cabs are evolving to meet expectations of operators used to the convenience of handheld electronics. However, evolving control strategies can't discount user's familiarity with knobs and buttons.