Giving HMI Development for Embedded Devices a Head Start

VEHMI.SBC

Overview

VEHMI.SBC is our foundation for developing professional embedded human–machine interfaces (HMIs) on Linux-based single-board computers (SBCs). It is designed for products that require a rich, modern graphical user interface running directly on embedded hardware — without the complexity and limitations of traditional embedded UI frameworks.

Based on Flutter for embedded Linux, VEHMI.SBC enables high-performance, modern embedded HMIs that run directly on the target device and interface seamlessly with embedded software, hardware peripherals, and system services. With Flutter’s smooth animations and a pixel-perfect rendering, the embedded device’s user interface behaves like a mobile app and meets the user expectations on modern touch-operated devices.

VEHMI.SBC is particularly well suited for embedded systems where a built-in display is the primary user interface and where flexibility, maintainability, and long product lifecycles are key requirements. At the same time, it optionally allows seamless integration with a companion app that is based on VEHMI.Mobile — and share significant parts of the application-specific source code with it.

Embedded HMIs on Linux-Based SBCs

Linux-based SBCs are widely used in embedded products that require more processing power, advanced graphics, or complex application logic than typical microcontroller-based systems can provide. VEHMI.SBC targets exactly this class of embedded devices.

Typical characteristics of such systems include:

Integrated touch displays with graphical user interfaces
Complex user workflows and data visualization
Local processing combined with optional network connectivity
Long-term availability and update requirements

VEHMI.SBC provides a structured and production-ready approach for building embedded HMIs on Linux that remain responsive, robust, and maintainable over the full product lifecycle.

Flutter as a Game Changer for Embedded HMIs

Flutter fundamentally changes how embedded HMIs on Linux-based systems can be developed. Compared to traditional approaches such as Qt, Flutter enables faster development, more consistent UI behavior, and a modern, reactive programming model — while still delivering high performance on embedded hardware.

Read more about why Flutter is a better choice for embedded HMI development in the “Why Flutter?” section.

Yocto-Based Infrastructure for Embedded Linux

A reliable embedded HMI does not start with the UI framework alone — it requires a solid Linux foundation. VEHMI.SBC builds on proven expertise in setting up and maintaining Yocto-based embedded Linux distributions, specifically designed to run embedded HMIs.

This includes:

Creating minimal, secure Linux images optimized for fast boot and stable operation
Integrating Flutter runtimes and graphical backends into Yocto builds
Managing device drivers, display pipelines, and input devices
Ensuring reproducible builds and long-term maintainability

By treating the operating system, graphics stack, and HMI application as a coherent system, VEHMI.SBC avoids many of the pitfalls commonly seen in embedded Linux UI projects.

Reference Platforms and SOM Support

VEHMI.SBC is backed by reference implementations for several widely used System-on-Modules (SOMs) and SBC platforms. These implementations provide a solid starting point for new developments and significantly reduce project risk.

Supported reference platforms include widely used embedded Linux SOMs and SBCs such as:

NXP i.MX8 family
NXP i.MX9 family
TI Sitara AM62
Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 (CM4)
Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 (CM5)

Each reference implementation covers the full stack — from Yocto configuration and graphics setup to Flutter integration and application startup. For SOMs that include a Cortex-M-based microcontroller core, the software stack transparently covers the complete communication path from the real-time embedded application running on the Cortex-M core to the Flutter-based HMI.

The architecture is intentionally modular, allowing it to be adapted to other Linux-capable SBCs or SOMs when required.

Typical Use Cases & Industries

VEHMI.SBC is designed for products that rely on a built-in graphical user interface as their primary HMI and where embedded Linux is already part of the system architecture.

Industrial Devices and Machinery

Many industrial systems require robust built-in touch displays that can visualize complex process data while remaining reliable in demanding environments. VEHMI.SBC enables modern embedded HMIs that can be operated intuitively.

Typical use cases include machine control panels and operator terminals for:

Visualization of process data and machine states
Configuration and commissioning interfaces
Diagnostics and service activities

Control Systems and Automation

Embedded Linux SBCs are frequently used in automation systems where multiple subsystems need to be coordinated through a single HMI.

Typical applications include:

PLC frontends and control dashboards
Embedded control panels for production systems
Local visualization for distributed control units

Medical, Laboratory, and Scientific Equipment

In regulated environments, embedded HMIs must combine clarity, reliability, and long-term maintainability. VEHMI.SBC supports the development of HMIs that meet these requirements while keeping the underlying system architecture clean and auditable.

Typical examples include:

Medical devices with integrated touch displays
Laboratory instruments and analyzers
Scientific measurement and control equipment

Connected Devices with Integrated Displays

For connected products that require a local user interface in addition to remote access or cloud connectivity, VEHMI.SBC provides a strong foundation.

Typical use cases include:

Smart industrial gateways
Networked control units with local displays
Edge devices with visualization and control functions

Embedded HMIs Require System-Level Expertise

An embedded HMI running on a Linux-based SBC is not just a UI application. It is a central part of the embedded system and must interact reliably with hardware, system services, and real-time processes.

This requires deep understanding of:

Embedded Linux, system startup, and boot processes
Hardware interfaces and drivers
Communication with backend services or controllers
Lifecycle management, updates, and maintenance

VEHMI.SBC is built on this system-level expertise, ensuring that the HMI, operating system, and embedded software form a cohesive and reliable whole.

How Can You Profit from VEHMI.SBC?

We use VEHMI.SBC as a foundation for delivering professional embedded Linux and HMI development services. Based on proven reference platforms and reusable software components, we support customers throughout the development of embedded HMIs — either as the main development partner or as part of a mixed team.

Our services around VEHMI.SBC typically include:

UX and UI design for embedded HMIs
Designing clear, task-oriented user interfaces optimized for touch interaction, industrial use, and long-term operation.
Flutter-based HMI development on embedded Linux
Implementing high-quality HMIs using Flutter, tailored for Linux-based SBCs and optimized for performance and maintainability.
Yocto-based embedded Linux setup
Creating and maintaining custom Yocto distributions, including graphics stack integration and system optimization for HMI use cases.
Integration with embedded software and hardware
Coordinating HMI development with device drivers, backend services, communication interfaces, and system services.
SOM and platform adaptation
Adapting existing VEHMI.SBC reference implementations to customer-specific SBCs or SOMs based on NXP, TI, Raspberry Pi, or comparable platforms.
Collaboration in mixed development teams
Working closely with customer engineers, integrating into existing workflows, and sharing responsibility across system boundaries.

Combining embedded Linux expertise with modern Flutter-based HMI development allows us to efficiently build powerful, future-proof embedded user interfaces based on VEHMI.SBC. This provides a significant head start and reduces time-to-market and development costs compared to starting from scratch.

Leverage the power of Flutter for your embedded application