We often think of computers as big number crunchers. Although they do that, reality computing is where computers play a role in interacting with the real world. This can involve getting the real world into the computer via methods like scanning or photogrammetry, or it can involve getting data out of the computer into the real world via processes like CNC or 3D printing.
I stumbled across this today. It is a fun read.
Reality is alive in the lab.