Behind every moving gear, glowing sensor, and decision-making algorithm lies a foundation of essential knowledge — the Core Principles and Terminology of robotics. This section of Robot Streets is your backstage pass into the language, physics, and logic that bring intelligent machines to life. From torque and tension to servos and sensors, this hub breaks down the scientific DNA of robotics in ways that are approachable, visual, and endlessly fascinating. You’ll explore the rules that govern motion, power, and perception — plus the technical terms that engineers use to describe the art of building smarter, faster, more adaptive robots. Whether you’re a curious beginner or a maker fine-tuning your next creation, these articles help you decode robotics from the inside out. Think of it as your translator between concept and creation — the spark that turns curiosity into capability. Welcome to the fundamentals that power every robot on the street, in the lab, and beyond.
A: Open-loop sends commands blindly; closed-loop uses feedback (encoders/IMU) to correct.
A: Servos = position control; steppers = precise steps; DC = simple speed + encoder for position.
A: Inertial Measurement Unit—gyro + accel (+/- magnetometer) for orientation/motion.
A: Brownout from inrush; add bulk capacitance, separate supplies, and proper grounding.
A: Switches current through a DC motor to go forward, reverse, or brake.
A: Forward: joints → pose; Inverse: desired pose → joint angles.
A: Building a map while figuring out where you are inside it.
A: Yes—start with P, add D to calm overshoot, then I to kill steady-state error.
A: To safely connect 5V and 3.3V logic without damaging pins.
A: Use RC filters or software debounce/timers to ignore rapid repeats.
