Lab scripting language?

We have a number of pieces of equipment under computer control,
and wonder whether there exists an interpreted or script language
that could accomplish the control, rather than having to write
and compile C code for every task.  This language would have to
be able to link in external C subroutines, as well as hardware
device drivers.  We'll probably be mac-based.

People have tossed around names like Python, Cint, and ch, but
I'm hesitant to get involved in something that might generate
even more obscure problems than we have already.  The alternative
is to write our own C program which will accept commands at a prompt.
We'd be grateful for suggestions or advice.

Thanks in advance,

rob