What role do sensors play in robotic systems?

Sensors play a critical role in robotic systems by providing feedback about the robot's environment. They are essential for gathering information from the surroundings, allowing the robot to understand and interact with the world effectively. This feedback can include detecting and measuring various conditions such as distance, temperature, light, sound, and more.

By processing this sensory data, the robot can make informed decisions and adapt its behavior accordingly. For instance, sensors help robots navigate through obstacles, making them integral to tasks such as mapping, localization, and interaction with objects and humans in their environment. Overall, the ability to detect changes in the environment is foundational for autonomous operation and situational awareness in robotic applications.