Final answer:
The development of minicomputers, like those from Digital Equipment Corporation, ushered in computer numerical control (CNC) in industries, replacing older technologies like punched paper tapes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The development of the minicomputer converted numerical control technology to computer numerical control (CNC). Before the introduction of minicomputers, numerical control was associated with punched paper tapes. However, with the advent of the minicomputer into industries, particularly those manufactured by Digital Equipment Corporation, Data General, and IBM, among others, numerical control could be augmented by computational powers. This led to more sophisticated control systems which were programmable in ways not possible with mere punched tapes. Consequently, numerical control joined forces with computing technology to give rise to CNC.