Open-source scientific instrument control software
NICOS is a network-based control system written for neutron scattering instruments, originally at the MLZ . Its main goals are flexibility, ease of use and maintenance, and reusability.
NICOS allows remote control of scientific instruments via both interactive interfaces (GUI, command line) and a scripting system. The NICOS user scripts are written in Python with some minor restrictions. This choice allows for very flexible scripts for complex problems and easy interactive use at the same time.