NI stands for "National Instruments," a company that specializes in automated test equipment and virtual instrumentation software. Founded in 1976, it provides tools for engineers and scientists to design, prototype, and test their systems. Its flagship product, LabVIEW, is a graphical programming environment widely used in various industries. The company is known for its hardware and software solutions that support applications in fields like automotive, aerospace, and industrial automation. NI products help streamline processes, improve efficiency, and enhance the accuracy of measurements, making them essential for research and development projects.