Britannica
Sources used in this answer
How does a robotās control system process sensor data and direct its movements?
Created from Britannica articles
using AI.
AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
automation
At the top of the machine is a stack of punched cards that would be fed into the loom to control the weaving pattern. This method of automatically issuing machine instructions was employed by computers well into the 20th century.
A robotās control system functions as its "brain," responsible for interpreting sensory input and coordinating physical actions. The process generally involves the following steps:12
- Data Collection: Sensorsāsuch as cameras, lidar, microphones, and pressure sensorsāmonitor the robot's internal state and external environment, converting physical stimuli into electrical impulses.2
- Processing: The control system, which often utilizes microprocessors and specialized software, analyzes this data to understand the robot's position, identify nearby objects, or determine how to accomplish a task. Modern systems may employ artificial intelligence and machine learning to classify inputs, adapt to changing conditions, or statistically weigh measurements to filter out noise like bad illumination or reflections.32
- Directing Movement: Once the system determines the necessary action, it sends signals to actuators. These components act as the robot's "muscles," converting energy from the power supply into physical motion, such as joint rotations or drive movements.12
In closed-loop feedback control systems, the controller continuously compares the actual output against a desired reference value, adjusting the actuators to minimize any difference.4