feedback (robotics)

Some form of feedback is usually essential for both the accuracy and safety of robots. In highly controlled environments, such as production line, it may be possible to use open-loop control and simply have the robot do predetermined locations at specific times and places. However, if the environment is at all variable, or the robots actuators not entirely accurate, closed-loop control will be needed using cameras or other sensors.

For robot limbs, one often contrasts local feedback of the joint relative the robot body and global feedback relative to the external environment. Feedback also allows compliant motion, where the robot uses resistance in the environment to aid accurate positioning.