Absolute data is required to establish vehicle position on the track and to determine height for accurate positioning of palletized or container goods. Multi-turn absolute encoders provide continuous position information and do not lose position in a power loss. This is critical in preventing crashes and eliminates the need to zero or initialize the machine. The ability to transmit data over a long distance is another important feature.

An absolute encoder is advantageous in robotics, due to the high gear ratios required by the servo motor in providing motion to the robot arm. An absolute encoder is better suited than an incremental device for two other important reasons: better immunity to electrical noise and the ability to provide a true position without having to be reset to a home reference point. A loss of position could result in a collision of equipment or injury to a bystander.

Valve position control is well suited for absolute encoders. Whether single or multi-turn, the advantages of an absolute encoder are considerable. Typically, when a valve is powered, it is essential to know the position immediately without going through an initialization routine. Only an absolute encoder can provide this. Other features, such as the ability to transmit data over long distance for signal integrity and the need for absolute position for safety reasons, are also important.