Industrial Breakthrough

On March 11, 1958, a significant advancement in manufacturing was achieved with the introduction of electronically controlled machines working together as an integrated production line, requiring minimal human intervention. This innovation allowed for the automation of various machining processes, including drilling and milling, guided by taped instructions. The development began in 1955 by Hughes Products Engineers, aiming to create a numerically controlled machine tool line that could adapt to both small and large-scale operations. The system features a simplified keyboard for inputting operational data, which is then converted to tape for electronic reading by machines, ensuring accuracy and reliability. This groundbreaking technology offers flexibility in production, capable of handling diverse machining tasks and repeatable setups, making it ideal for modern industrial needs.