# Learner Handout: Module 1

Module: Introduction to Sustainability Robotics and Intelligent Systems

## Big Idea

A robot is a system that senses, decides, acts, and uses feedback to improve its behavior. Sustainability robotics applies these capabilities to environmental, infrastructure, community, and resource-aware challenges.

## Core Terms

| Term | Meaning |
| --- | --- |
| Sensor | A device that collects information from the robot or its environment |
| Actuator | A component that creates motion or physical action |
| Controller | The decision-making component that sends commands to the system |
| Feedback | Information about actual performance used to adjust future action |
| Kinematics | Study of motion, position, velocity, and path |
| Dynamics | Study of forces, torque, mass, acceleration, and energy |
| Open-loop control | Control without checking the result |
| Closed-loop control | Control that uses feedback to correct behavior |
| Sustainability robotics | Robotics designed for environmental, social, and resource-aware outcomes |
| Bio-inspired robotics | Robotic design influenced by living systems |

## Robotics Subsystem Loop

1. Sense: collect information.
2. Decide: process information and choose an action.
3. Act: move or interact with the environment.
4. Feedback: compare actual behavior with desired behavior.
5. Correct: adjust future commands.

## Sustainability Design Checklist

- What problem does the robot solve?
- Who benefits from the system?
- What environmental or social risks might it create?
- How much energy does it require?
- Can it be maintained or repaired locally?
- What data does it collect, and how should that data be protected?
- What happens at the end of the robot's useful life?

## Reflection Prompt

Choose one environmental or infrastructure challenge in your community. Describe a robotic system that could help address it. Identify the sensors, actuators, controller, and feedback mechanism the system might need.