Decide whether a machine is acting like a robot by looking for a physical body, sensors, a controller, actuators, power, and a goal. Trace one feedback cycle: the robot senses the world, decides on an action, moves, and then senses the changed world again.

Connect sensor readings to the real-world conditions they come from, such as light, distance, contact, or rotation. Reason about why a robot’s data is never perfect: sensors have range, delay, noise, blind spots, and need interpretation.

Apply the previous explanations in a guided problem.

Trace how a controller uses sensor data, stored state, and a goal to choose commands for the robot. Compare simple reactive rules with the modern robotics pattern of perception, planning, and control without diving into advanced math.

Separate the tiny command signals from the larger energy flow that creates motion. Follow power from a battery or supply through drivers and actuators into wheels, joints, or grippers, while tracking how feedback signals return to the controller.

Apply the previous explanations in a guided problem.

Check your understanding with a short quiz.

Review this chapter with practice based on your mistakes.