HERGA Control Solutions: More Than a Footswitch – The Human Interface That Defines System Performance

Footswitches

In advanced medical, industrial and specialised equipment, there is one component that directly connects human intention to machine execution.

It is often a footswitch.
Sometimes a hand control.
In other cases, a pneumatic or pressure switch.

It may look simple.

In reality, it is a critical system interface.

When selected correctly, it enhances workflow, improves safety, supports regulatory compliance and increases long-term reliability. When selected incorrectly, it introduces fatigue, risk, integration delays and costly redesigns.

This is where HERGA Technology stands apart – and where Amironic provides the engineering bridge in Israel.

A Footswitch Is Not an Accessory – It Is a System Component

In high-performance equipment, a control interface is not just a switch. It defines how the operator interacts with the system.

It influences:

Operator safety
Control logic (momentary, latching, deadman)
Electrical isolation
IP rating and hygiene requirements
Regulatory approval pathways
Ergonomics and long-term fatigue
Integration complexity

The human-machine interface is not only a touchscreen. In many systems, the foot or hand control is the most critical control point.

Electrical, Pneumatic and Wireless Control Technologies

HERGA designs and manufactures a broad portfolio of switching and control solutions tailored for OEM integration.

Electrical Footswitches and Hand Controls

SPNO, SPNC, SPDT, DPDT configurations
USB options
Custom connectors and cable assemblies
Multiple pedal configurations
High temperature and IP-rated designs

Pneumatic Control Solutions

Airswitches
Bellows systems
Pressure and vacuum switches
Ideal for environments requiring full electrical isolation

Wireless Solutions

UL 60601-1 approved Bluetooth closed-network systems
Infra-red control systems
Multi-function medical configurations

These are not catalogue parts. They are configurable system elements.

Regulatory Compliance as a Design Foundation

In regulated industries, especially medical, compliance is not a checkbox.

HERGA products are manufactured under internationally recognised standards including:

UL 60601-1
IEC 60601-1
ISO 13485
ISO 9001
ISO 14001

For OEM manufacturers, this means:

Reduced certification risk
Simplified system validation
Lower regulatory exposure
Faster path to market

A properly selected control interface can remove months from a regulatory timeline.

Customisation as an Engineering Advantage

One of HERGA’s core strengths is engineering flexibility.

Options include:

Adjustable actuation force
Custom geometry and layout
Single to multi-pedal configurations
Protective guards
Custom cable length and termination
Branded colours and function marking
Low-to-medium MOQ OEM projects

Customisation is not cosmetic. It reduces mechanical rework, simplifies enclosure design and optimises user ergonomics from the beginning.

Market Segments

Medical & Healthcare

Medical environments demand reliability, hygiene and fail-safe operation.

Typical applications include:

Electrosurgical generators (cut / coag control)
Dental chairs
Surgical robotics
Patient beds and mobility systems
Laser activation
Imaging systems (X-ray, MRI)

In these systems, requirements often include:

IPX7/IPX8 washdown capability
High durability under frequent use
Certified wireless communication
Multi-function control in sterile environments

HERGA’s medical portfolio is purpose-built, not adapted from industrial products.

Industrial & Manufacturing

Heavy-duty industrial applications require rugged mechanical construction and reliable switching under harsh conditions.

Applications include:

Steel fabrication equipment
Packaging machinery
Textile systems
Vacuum sealing machines
Factory automation
Push-to-talk systems in control rooms

Here, durability, environmental resistance and mechanical robustness are critical.

Transport & Special Vehicles

In specialised vehicles and mobile systems, control reliability under vibration and environmental stress is essential.

Applications include:

Panic activation systems
Emergency vehicle communication control
Agricultural machinery
Special-purpose vehicle equipment

The interface must remain intuitive and dependable in demanding operational environments.

Case Study – Wireless Medical Foot Control Integration

A medical device OEM required a multi-function control solution for a sterile clinical environment.

Key challenges included:

Eliminating cable clutter
Maintaining UL 60601-1 compliance
Ensuring secure wireless communication
Supporting multiple programmable functions

The solution implemented was a HERGA Bluetooth medical footswitch operating on a secure closed network with a dedicated receiver.

The result:

Improved operating room ergonomics
Simplified cleaning and sterilisation
Smooth regulatory approval process
Reliable multi-function control

The footswitch became a strategic design element rather than a peripheral add-on.

HERGA in Israel – Engineering Support Through Amironic

HERGA is a manufacturer.
Amironic provides local engineering support, specification guidance and project alignment in Israel.

The added value includes:

Requirement definition with system engineers
Selection of appropriate control logic
Regulatory alignment consultation
Project lifecycle support
Local technical communication

Instead of sourcing a generic footswitch, OEM manufacturers receive a system-aligned control solution.

Conclusion

A footswitch.
A hand control.
A pressure switch.

They may appear simple.

But in advanced systems, they define precision, safety and operational flow.

HERGA designs and manufactures control solutions engineered for integration.
Amironic delivers that engineering capability locally in Israel.

Because the moment a system meets the human operator – performance is defined.

What is a Medical Footswitch?

A medical footswitch is a certified control interface designed to allow hands-free operation of medical equipment while maintaining electrical safety, regulatory compliance, hygiene requirements and clinical workflow efficiency.

Unlike a standard industrial pedal, a medical footswitch is engineered for sterile environments, frequent cleaning, high durability and compliance with standards such as UL 60601-1 and IEC 60601-1.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the difference between an electrical and a pneumatic footswitch?

An electrical footswitch transmits a direct electrical signal to the control system, while a pneumatic footswitch activates a switch through air pressure. Pneumatic solutions are often preferred where full electrical isolation or enhanced safety is required.

When is UL 60601-1 certification required?

UL 60601-1 is required when the footswitch is integrated into medical equipment intended for clinical use. Compliance ensures electrical safety and is essential for regulatory approval in many markets.

Why use a wireless medical footswitch?

Wireless medical footswitches reduce cable clutter in operating rooms and sterile environments. Closed-network Bluetooth systems provide secure, reliable communication while improving ergonomics and ease of cleaning.

What is a deadman foot control?

A deadman foot control operates only while continuous pressure is applied. Once the operator removes their foot, the function immediately stops. This logic enhances safety in critical systems.

How does a multi-pedal footswitch integrate into OEM systems?

A multi-pedal footswitch enables control of multiple functions through a single interface. With proper engineering, logic configuration, connectors, cable assemblies and mechanical design can be fully aligned with OEM system architecture.

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