A series of approaches to obtaining an initial or prototype of a part or assembly quickly. See, for example, stereolithography.

Use of precise timing in controlling an event typically consisting of multiple changing variables.

Duplication to enhance reliability.

This programming language expresses a program as a series of "coils" and "contacts", simulating the operation of electromechanical relays. The resultant program is the equivalent of a boolean equation, which is executed continuously in a combinatorial manner. The advantage of this language is the familiarity many electricians have with the simple operation of relays. Disadvantages include the complexity of large, cross-connected programs, and the difficulty of expressing such non-binary functions as motion control and analog I/O. An alternative technique now being widely used is State Language control.

A position transducer that uses magnetic coupling to measure absolute shaft position during one revolution.

The study of the design and use of robots, particularly for their use in manufacturing and related processes.

A device that operates at the Network Layer of the OSI model (Layer 3) to connect networks of different architecture by resolving the addressing differences between the networks.