A change in velocity (that is changing speed and/or direction of travel).
A set of actions which, if followed, achieve a particular task. These are typically expressed in language a human can ‘understand’ and may be converted into specific commands that a machine such as a computer can obey.
A modern industrial robot designed specifically to interact safely with humans.
The science of control and communication (in the animal and the machine) – the science of feedback systems – incorporating control, learning and interaction.
A cybernetic organism comprising a mixture of organic and mechanical electronic components.
A feedback loop used to control a device.
The science of the flow and control of electrons from devices such as batteries through electric components such as resistors and motors.
A circular path along which information is passed.
The strength associated with action or movement.
A form of logic which deals with approximate values, as opposed to logic signals which are true or false only.
An end effector used for sizing or holding something (a simple hand).
Interaction involving the sense of touch.
The design and use of computer technology which allows humans to interface with computers.
One of many different devices which allow a human to interact with a machine like a computer or robot – including keyboard, mouse, touchpad.
A method used in Feedback Control where the output of the controller depends on its input (typically the error) and previous values of its output.
A branch of mathematics concerned with signals that can be only true or false, and which form the basis of modern computers.
In engineering a combination of mechanical, electrical, control, computer and communication engineering.
A small computer system, typically on a single integrated circuit, comprising the microprocessor, memory and peripherals.
The steepness of a slope/ for a flying object it is its rotation around the ‘side-to-side’ axis (see Roll and Yaw also).
A series of instructions which can be obeyed (by a computer or a robot) to achieve a task.
Movement where something turns on the spot, or around a joint.
A device which is used to measure a quantity – such as the distance to an object or the speed of a robot.
In Electronics it is a current/voltage/electromagnetic field used to convey information.
A computer program which tries to emulate the behaviour of something – in this course we use simulations of robots moving around an arena.
A set of instructions which direct how a computer performs specific tasks.
A sensor which measures some aspect of the physical contact with an object.
A device which converts energy from one form to another – e.g. motor speed to an electrical signal.
A sensor which emits ultrasound and then detects any ultrasound that returns.
The speed at which an object is travelling and the direction in which it is travelling.
A device which gives a visual representation of something – typically from a camera.
