'software-controlled' originates from the combination of 'software' and 'controlled', where 'software' refers to the programs and other operating information used by a computer, and 'controlled' means to exercise restraint or direction over.

'software' evolved from the term 'soft goods' in the 1950s, and 'controlled' has been used since the 14th century to mean 'to check or regulate'.

Initially, 'controlled' meant 'to check or regulate', but in combination with 'software', it evolved to mean 'regulated by computer programs'.