The number of control devices we encounter daily is astounding! These mechanisms are used in manufacturing plants, cars, within our communities, in our homes, and other places to control both simple and complicated processes. Sometimes we are so use to a control mechanism, such as a stop sign or a thermostat, that we do not realize how it impacts us.

Three control mechanisms you encountered

• What activity, action, etc. was each device designed to control? (For example, you may have put on a seatbelt before you started driving. The seat belt was designed to keep you in your seat and to prevent bodily injuries.)
• What type of control device is it? (preventive/feedforward, concurrent, or corrective)