Computer Science 444: Embedded / Robotic Programming

Unit 7: Robotic Control 3 – Deliberative and Reactive Control

Continuing our study of robotic control mechanisms, in this unit we examine deliberative control and reactive control. These two techniques are almost polar opposites of each other, as we shall see.

Learning Objectives

After completing this unit, you should be able to

  • describe two types of robotic control – deliberative and reactive.
  • describe the differences between deliberative and reactive control.
  • discuss the creation of robots that use deliberative and reactive control to perform their function.
  • employ the Arduino and the SparkFun Inventor’s Kit to create circuits which use deliberative and reactive control to perform a desired function.

Readings

Please read the following chapters in the textbook:

  • Think Hard, Act Later (Chapter 13)
  • Don’t Think, React! (Chapter 14)

Questions to Ponder

At the end of each chapter in the assigned readings there are questions labelled “Food for Thought”. Please answer these questions as best you can in your weblog, which will become part of your portfolio of competence submitted for marking during this course.

Exercises

Exercises for this unit can be found in the Instructor’s Weblog on the Landing. Please follow along with the exercises and programs using your own Arduino kit, and keep a record of your explorations in your own weblog.

Further Readings

At the end of each chapter in the assigned readings you will find a section titled “Looking for More.” While the links and readings mentioned in this section are not assigned, please feel free to examine them if you are interested, or ask questions on the Landing.

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