The Nature of Microelectronic Technology

Abstract

Three revolutionary technological developments are taking place simultaneously:

• 1. Automatic production - computers, numerically-controlled machines and robots are being integrated into automated production systems -Computer-Aided Design (CAD)/Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) Systems.

• 2. Videonic communication - transmission of information from video display terminals to video display terminals via computers -two-way communication without writing on paper, and without the use of voice and speech.

• 3. Artificial intelligence - the implantation of programmes into silicone (and very soon into gallium arsenide) chips, which, in turn, are implanted into machines, instruments, and durables, and thereby transform these into ‘intelligent’ participants in production processes.