Purpose of Systems Control:

Question

Control systems are used in engineering to regulate and manage the behavior of systems, ensuring that they perform desired tasks efficiently and safely. By
using sensors, feedback loops, and control algorithms, engineers can design systems that respond to real-time changes in their environment, whether in
robotics, traffic management, or environmental control. This skill is crucial in fields such as robotics, automation, and mechatronics.

Instructions:

Choose one of the following activities from the list below. You may choose an activity from any of the following categories: VEX VR Playground,
Engineering Games, or Micro:bit Tutorial.
Complete the selected activity and make sure to take a screenshot of your result or setup.
In your submission, include a brief reflection explaining what you learned about control systems through the activity and how the principles of
systems control apply to real-world engineering challenges.

The Engineering Game I chose to do was The Tomb Runner.

Reflection Questions:

1. What was the task or challenge you had to complete in the activity?
2. What control systems or principles did you use in the activity (e.g., feedback loops, sensors, actuators)?
3. How did adjusting parameters (e.g., sensor sensitivity, control timing) affect the system's behavior?
4. What real-world applications could this type of control system be used in (e.g., robotics, environmental systems, transportation)?

By completing these activities, you will gain valuable hands-on experience with control systems, which are essential in modern engineering. Choose an
activity, dive into the challenge, and reflect on how control systems are used to improve performance and efficiency in real-world scenarios.

Answer 1

Reflection on The Tomb Runner Activity

1. Task or Challenge: In The Tomb Runner activity, the primary challenge was to navigate a character through a series of obstacles in a pyramid setting, collecting resources while avoiding traps and hazards. The goal was to efficiently reach the end point while maintaining a satisfactory score based on the resources collected and the obstacles avoided.

2. Control Systems or Principles Used: Throughout the activity, several control systems principles came into play. A key aspect was the use of feedback loops where the character's position and actions were continuously monitored. For example, when the character moved toward a trap, immediate feedback indicated potential danger, allowing for quick adjustments. Sensors were simulated through visual and auditory cues indicating obstacles, while actuators were represented by the character's movement capabilities influenced by user input commands.

3. Adjusting Parameters: Adjusting parameters such as sensor sensitivity or control timing had a significant impact on performance. For instance, increasing sensor sensitivity allowed the character to react more quickly to obstacles, creating a smoother navigation experience. Conversely, if the control timing was too rapid, it could lead to overshooting a target or misaligning with the obstacles, resulting in failure. Striking a balance in these parameters was crucial for optimizing the gameplay, and this iterative testing mimicked real-world control system tuning.

4. Real-world Applications: The principles demonstrated in The Tomb Runner can be applied across various fields. In robotics, similar sensor feedback loops are critical for enabling robots to navigate complex environments autonomously, such as drones avoiding obstacles while flying. In environmental systems, such control systems can be utilized for monitoring pollutants and adjusting filters in real-time to maintain air quality. In transportation, adaptive traffic signals that respond to real-time vehicle flow and adjust timing to minimize congestion utilize similar concepts. Overall, the foundational control systems learned in this game are integral to improving performance and safety in many real-world engineering challenges.

Summary

Through The Tomb Runner activity, I gained insight into the operational aspects of control systems, specifically how feedback mechanisms and adjustable parameters improve task efficiency in dynamic environments. This hands-on experience highlighted the importance of these principles and their direct application to real-world challenges in engineering.