Abstract: An electronic control system and apparatus is provided for controlling the operation of an industrial machine, such as a sewing machine. A body actuated apparatus is mounted in a spaced apart relationship from ground level and in approximate adjacency to the sewing machine. The body actuated apparatus has an elongated control bar pivotally mounted to the body actuated apparatus along a longitudinal axis of the elongated control bar for actuation of a force sensor when a body of an operator pressingly engages the elongated control bar in a direction towards the sewing machine. Electronic means for controlling the speed of a motor of the sewing machine is provided which includes monitoring means for monitoring sensor input produced by the force sensor, and controlling means responsive to the monitoring means for varying the speed of the motor of the industrial machine by outputting control signals to the motor.