Rockwell Automation Launches PanelView Pro HMI With Modular Design

Rockwell Automation has introduced PanelView Pro, a graphic terminal for industrial human-machine interface (HMI) use. It runs FactoryTalk View Machine Edition (ME) applications and is designed for tough operating conditions. 

Key Highlights

• Software: Runs existing FactoryTalk View ME applications without redevelopment.
• Design: Display and logic sit in separate modules, each of which can be serviced or replaced on its own.
• Security: Uses a managed operating system and includes secure remote access.
• Migration: Shares cutouts with PanelView Plus 7 Performance terminals.
• Availability: From Q4 2026. More modules and configurations will follow through 2027.

What Has Been Announced

PanelView Pro is a new hardware platform with faster processing, more responsive graphics and better connectivity than earlier terminals. 

The main design change is modularity. Because display and logic are separate, a fault or upgrade affects only one module rather than the whole terminal. The company says this should lower maintenance costs, simplify spare-parts stocking and improve uptime.

Customers can carry over existing FactoryTalk View ME applications. The terminal also fits the same panel openings as PanelView Plus 7 Performance units, so cabinets don’t have to be cut again.

Why It Matters

HMI upgrades are often held back by the work involved: rewriting applications, modifying panels and stopping production. Plants also have to keep running while meeting cybersecurity and compliance requirements. PanelView Pro is aimed at OEMs, system integrators and end users replacing ageing HMIs with less engineering work, less downtime and lower risk.

For machine builders and plants with an installed base of PanelView Plus 7 Performance terminals, the shared cutouts and application reuse could make replacement simpler.