About Controllers
Information about Controllers
A controller is the electronic PCB (printed circuit board) that is used to make robotic parts do their job. The controller is like a computer (PC or PDA etc). It allows for a program written on a PC to be downloaded to the controller. The program is written in a specific language. Most robotics applications are written in some form of "C" language, or "BASIC" language.
The program is written (in the given language) on the PC. It is then compiled (convert the program language into the language of the controller), and then downloaded (by cable) to the robot.
The robot is then restarted, and the given program starts executing on the robot.
A good controller often has a LCD (liquid crystal display) mounted on it, and the program can be directed to display information on the LCD, identifying what the program is doing at the time.
A good controller will have it's own CPU (central processing unit), memory, power unit, socket to connect to PC and a bundle of outputs to control sensors, and actuators.
Controllers are programmed to read the sensors, and according to the requirements of the robot, will fire the actuators to move the robot, then read the sensors again to determine what happened. So the program is written in a loop of sense, think, move, sense, think, move and so on.
Controllers generate the signals to move, using motors, servos and other actuators. They use ranging sensors (ultrasonic and infrared) to determine their distance digitally from obstacles. More advanced controllers use digital cameras to sense their environment, but this technique requires a fast controller that processes images.
You may have seen the soccer playing robots. These use infrared sensors and cameras to determine their position, the position of other players and the soccer ball, and the goal. The programming for this activity is among the most complex being done at the moment.
Please proceed to the Controller page