The machine we call "Mr. Meticulous"

Bell Laboratories scientists, who invented the junction transistor, have now created an automatic device which performs the intricate operations required for the laboratory production of experimental model transistors.
It takes a bar of germanium little thicker than a hair and tests its electrical characteristics. Then, in steps of 1/20,000 of an inch, it automatically moves a fine wire along the bar in search of an invisible layer of positive germanium to which the wire must be connected. This layer may be as thin as 1/10,000 of an inch!