A signal having the characteristic of being continuous and changing smoothly over a given range, rather than switching suddenly between certain levels.

• Digital Signal

• Static Communication

• Analog Signal

• Dynamic Communication

A technique that is used to make a process automatic.

• Efficiency

• Experimentation

• Automation

• Flowchart

Using computers to operate and control machines and processes to manufacture a product.

• Closed-Loop System

• Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM)

• Output

• Icon

A company-wide management philosophy for planning, integration, and implementation of automation.

• Open-Loop System

• Invention

• Malfunction

• Computer-Integrated Manufacturing (CIM)

A system that uses feedback from the output to control the input.

• Closed-Loop System

• Switch

• Program

• Open-Loop System

A system of discrete states: high or low, on or off, 1 or 0.

• Analog Signal

• Digital Signal

• Experimentation

• Threshold

The ability to bring a desired result with the least waste of time, energy, or material.

• Efficiency

• Output

• Open-Loop System

• Touch Sensor

Try out a new procedure, idea, or activity.

• Limit Switch

• Feedback

• Flowchart

• Experimentation

Information about the output of a system that can be used to make adjustments.

• Feedback

• Pseudocode

• Potentiometer

• Software

The efficient production of small amounts of products.

• Innovation

• Input

• Flexible Manufacturing System (FMS)

• Invention