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Most consumer-facing applications and behind-the-scenes computing infrastructure are built using open source software. Also, in recent years, a growing "maker" community has created do-it-yourself computing and automation projects based on open source software and commercial microcontrollers like the Raspberry Pi and Arduino. These efforts are widely accepted due to the flexibility, convenience, and low cost of open source. For more critical industrial automation applications, however, the norm has been for users to build with proven platforms like programmable logic controllers (PLCs). As a new generation of workers enters the industrial market and as current staff become familiar with new technology advances, both groups are looking for ways to combine open source advantages with reliable automation. Hobbyists like that they can obtain a bare-bones Arduino for about $20 and stack on other inexpensive boards called "shields" to peform networking, input/output signals, GPS, and other functions.