A rotary encoder is an electro-mechanical device converting the angular position or motion of a shaft to output signals. There are two types: absolute and incremental. Absolute encoders provide a unique output for each shaft position, retaining position data even when power is lost. Incremental encoders provide relative position information, indicating change in position from a reference point. They're used in various applications requiring precise shaft rotation, including industrial controls, robotics, and computer input devices.
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