Document(s) 10 of 17

Artificial intelligence (AI)
The ability of a machine to learn from experience and perform tasks normally attributed to human intelligence, for example, problem solving, reasoning, and understanding natural language.

Automated inspection equipment for final products
Automated sensor-based equipment used for inspecting or testing final products.

Automated inspection equipment for inputs
Automated sensor-based equipment used for inspecting or testing incoming or in-process materials.

Automated storage and retrieval systems (AS–RS)
Computer-controlled equipment providing automated handling and storage of materials, parts, subassemblies, or finished products.

Automated guided-vehicle systems (AGVS)
Vehicles equipped with automated guidance devices programed to follow a path that interfaces with work stations for automated or manual loading and unloading of materials, tools, parts, or products.

Computer-aided design and engineering (CAD–CAE)
Use of computers for drawing and designing parts or products for analysis and testing of designed parts or products.

Computer-aided design for computer-aided manufacturing (CAD–CAM)
Use of CAD output for controlling machines used to manufacture the part or product.

Computer-integrated manufacturing (CIM)
Totally automated production in which all manufacturing processes are integrated and controlled by a central computer.

Computer used for control on the factory floor
Computer that may be dedicated to control on the factory floor but is capable of being reprogramed for other functions (does not include computers embedded within machines or computers used solely for data acquisition or monitoring).

Digital data representation
Use of digital representation of CAD output for controlling machines used to manufacture the part or product.

Expert system
The computerization of the knowledge of experts in narrowly defined fields, such as fault finding and designing.

Factory network
Use of local-area network (LAN) technology to exchange information between different points on the factory floor.

Flexible manufacturing cells (FMCs)
Machines with fully integrated material-handling capabilities controlled by computers or programable controllers and capable of single-path acceptance of raw material and delivery of finished product.

Flexible manufacturing systems (FMS)
Two or more machines with fully integrated material-handling capabilities controlled by computers or programable controllers and capable of single-path or multiple-path acceptance of raw material and multiple-path delivery of finished product.

Intercompany computer network (ICCN)
Use of wide-area network (WAN) technology to connect an establishment with its subcontractors, suppliers, and customers.

Manufacturing-resource planning (MRP II)
A development of MRP I for computer-based production management of machine loading and production scheduling, as well as inventory control and material handling.

Material-requirements planning (MRP I)
Computer-based production management and scheduling system to control order quantities, inventory, and finished goods.

Materials-working laser
Laser technology used for welding, sealing, treating, scribing, and marking.

Numerically controlled (NC) or computerized numerically controlled (CNC) machine
A single machine, either NC or CNC, with or without automated material-handling capabilities. NC machines are controlled by numerical command, punched on paper or plastic mylar tape, whereas CNC machines are controlled electronically through a computer residing in the machine.

Pick-and-place robot
A simple robot, with 1, 2, or 3 degrees of freedom, that transfers items from place to place by means of point-to-point moves. Little or no trajectory control is available.

Programable controller
A solid-state industrial control device that has a programable memory for storage of instructions and performs functions equivalent to those of a relay panel or wired solid-state logical control system.

Robot
A reprogramable, multifunctional manipulator designed to move materials, parts, tools, or specialized devices through variable programed motions for the performance of a variety of tasks.

Supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA)
On-line, computer-based monitoring and control of process and plant variables of a central site.

Technical-data network
Use of local-area network (LAN) technology to exchange technical data within the design and engineering department.

Document(s) 10 of 17