 In machine-shop terminology, the complete Digital Read Out system (consisting of a computer, axis-position encoders, and a numeric display) is referred to by the acronym DRO.Such a system is commonly fitted to machines in today's shops, especially for metal working — lathes, cylindrical grinders, milling machines, surface grinders, boring mills and other machine tools — to allow the operator to work faster and with greater accuracy.Use of DROs is not limited to manually operated machines.