Who is the father of CNC machining?

John T. Parsons is often credited as the father of CNC machining. In the late 1940s, Parsons developed the first numerical control techniques and applied them to the production of helicopter rotor blades. Working alongside engineer Frank L. Stulen, Parsons conceptualized the method of using punched tape to guide machine tools. This innovation laid the groundwork for the development of CNC (Computer Numerical Control) technology. Their pioneering work eventually led to the creation of the first CNC machines in the 1950s, which revolutionized manufacturing by improving the precision, efficiency, and repeatability of machining processes.