过程控制
Process control of the future will involve the widespread utilization of intelligent sensors, and mass-produced intelligent miniaturized devices such as programmable logic controllers that communicate wirelessly to process actuators. Since these devices will be miniaturized to reduce manufacturing cost, this enables the devices to be embedded in structures so that they become invisible to the casual observer. The cost of such sensors will likely be reduced to a point where they either "function or don't function". When that cost threshold has been reached, the repair procedure will be to disable the sensor, and to actuate a redundant working sensor. In otherwords, entire complex control systems will become so low cost, that repair will not be economically viable.