Programming instructions

Glossary • 121
APPENDIX B - GLOSSARY
Inventor’s Guide
276-2178-E-0610
Glossary
Arcade-style Controls – Control Subsystem
A driving mode in which the robot is controlled with
one joystick on the controller, like an arcade game.
Also called 12 mode because axes 1 and 2 are being
used to drive the robot.
Attachment – Structure Subsystem
Generally, any piece that is “attached” and not
fundamentally part of the basic robot design.
Usually refers to such pieces as arms or sensor
modules, especially if they are removable.
Autonomous – Logic Subsystem
Technically, a robot must be able to function entirely
without human supervision to be considered fully
autonomous. Almost all real-world robot systems
are designed instead to work with partial autonomy
under varying degrees of human supervision.
Autonomous Mode – Logic Subsystem
The VEX robot has a simple pre-programmed
autonomous mode that uses two bumper or limit
switch sensors to detect obstacles as the robot
wanders around a room or course.
Axis (Joystick) – Control Subsystem
One of two axes (X and Y) along which a joystick
can move. Each axis on the joystick is associated
with an onboard potentiometer that measures the
joystick’s position along that axis.
Axis of Rotation – Motion Subsystem
The imaginary line around which a spinning object
rotates. This usually coincides with the axle for a
wheel or gear.
Axle – Motion Subsystem
A long, rigid piece through the rotational center
of an object (like a gear or wheel). Axles serve
two main purposes: to hold spinning bodies in
place relative to the rest of the structure, and to
transfer rotational motion from one spinning piece
to another (as in the case of a motor axle turning a
gear). Square bars are usually used as axles in the
VEX system.
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12 mode – Control Subsystem
A Transmitter driving mode where axes 1 and 2 are
used to control the primary navigation of the robot.
Also called Arcade-style controls.
23 mode – Control Subsystem
A Transmitter driving mode where axes 2 and 3 are
used to control the primary navigation of the robot.
Also called Tank-style controls.
4WD
Short for Four-Wheel Drive. A four-wheel drive
robot typically has four wheels, all of which are
powered independently. This usage is analogous,
but not identical, to the meaning of the term with
respect to automobiles.
A
Acceleration – Motion Subsystem
In physics, acceleration is the change in velocity
of an object over time. In robotics, acceleration
usually refers to the ability of a robot to speed up or
slow down quickly on demand.
Actuator – Motion Subsystem
A term commonly used in industry to describe a
mechanical device used for moving or triggering a
mechanism.
Alkaline (Battery) – Power Subsystem
A class of battery chemistries commonly used in
disposable batteries. This type of battery is not
suited for use in robotics applications.
Allen Wrench
An L-shaped tool used to work with hex screws.
Analog Sensor – Sensor Subsystem
Analog sensors communicate with the
Microcontroller by sending an electrical voltage
that varies between 0 and the maximum voltage.
Analog/Digital Port Bank – Logic Subsystem
A group of ports on the Microcontroller used for
analog and digital communication with other parts
of the robot system.
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