Feedback & Sensing Devices

Feedback and sensing devices are essentially the eyes and ears of a machine or automated system. They constantly check the physical world and report back to the "brain" (the motion controller) so the machine knows exactly what is happening and can make adjustments.
Here is the simple breakdown of what they do:
They Observe: They measure physical properties like location, speed, temperature, pressure, or whether an object is present.
They Report Back: They send that real-time information instantly to the main controller.
They Prevent Errors: The controller uses this feedback to ensure everything is on track. If a robot arm is supposed to move exactly 10 inches but only moves 9.9, the sensor tells the controller, and it corrects the movement instantly.
Examples: Common examples include:
Encoders: Little sensors that count how many times a wheel spins to track distance or speed.
Proximity Sensors: Detect if an object is nearby without touching it.
Temperature Sensors: Measure heat to keep engines from overheating.
In short, feedback and sensing devices provide real-time information to machines, allowing them to operate precisely, safely, and correctly in an ever-changing environment.