Glossary
abort: to stop a program or sketch from continuing to execute (on PULSE, press the red Stop/Reset button)
Arduino Software (IDE): open-source software used to program Arduino-based hardware, such as PULSE
autonomous: a robot whose actions occur by use of a microprocessor without human intervention
beam: a square aluminum part with a set pattern of holes used as a structural building component
behavior: the physical action(s) of a robot
called function: an instruction set that is performed from within the main program or sketch
code: programming instructions
comparison statement: code that compares the value of two variables
condition: code that uses both logic and comparison of values
dead reckoning: process of calculating position by estimating the direction and distance previously traveled
declaration: a statement providing a name for a given function, variable, or constant
delay: code that provides a time interval between statements or actions
differential drive: a drive system in which the speeds of the motors located on opposite sides of the robot control the
direction of travel
end effector: device on a robot that interacts with its environment
execute: to carry out an instruction or a program
expected behavior: the action of a robot based on how you think it will execute a set of instructions
for loop: a set of instructions that repeats a set number of times
function: a procedure within a computer program
HIGH: typically the “on” value of a switch or sensor
if/else: instruction statement that chooses between two paths based on value comparisons
if/then: instruction statement that provides an action based on a value comparison
increment: a specific amount of increase, typically used in code loops
initialize: to set a beginning value of a variable or the starting point of a code configuration
integer: a positive or negative whole number, including zero
LED: light-emitting diode
Line Finder Sensor: hardware that can detect contrast in light and dark surfaces to direct the path of a robot
logic: the science of formal principles of reasoning or correct inference; logic is governed by mathematical principles
LOW: typically the “off” value of a switch or sensor
main loop: also known as a void loop within C-based programming, this loop contains the instructional code for
controlling the robot
millisecond: one-one-thousandth of a second
neutral position: the center position of a servo motor
obstacle: a physical object that blocks the path of a robot
parameter: a factor or condition to meet within the final solution of a problem
pseudocode: descriptive steps (based on simple language) to be taken within a computer program
reflected light: the amount of light that travels from a source to an object and returns to the source
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