In robotics, "open loop" and "closed loop" systems refer to two fundamental approaches to controlling a robot’s behavior. The base of it is that open loop is just telling a motor to do something without adjusting your instructions and closed loop is constantly monitoring your motor and tweaking the instructions in real time to ensure you can do something with a high amount of precision.

Open Loop Control

An open loop control system is like giving instructions without checking to see if they’re followed. The system sends commands to the robot's motors without monitoring the outcome. It assumes the action will be executed as intended.

Key Characteristics:

• No Feedback: The system doesn’t measure whether the desired result was achieved.
• Simpler Design: Fewer components and less programming complexity.
• Faster Execution: No time is spent processing feedback.
• Prone to Errors: External factors (e.g., friction, battery level, or unexpected obstacles) can lead to inaccuracies.

An open loop would be a great choice for subsystems where you don't need much precision like intake rollers. Intake rollers just need to spin but don’t need to reach an exact velocity to do their job. Although this approach works for something like intake most subsystems will need both open and closed loop.

Closed Loop Control

A closed loop control system uses feedback to monitor and adjust its actions in real time. It’s like checking your work and making corrections as you go. This approach ensures the system responds dynamically to changes and achieves its goal more reliably.

Key Characteristics:

• Feedback Mechanism: Sensors provide real-time data about the robot's state (position, speed, force, etc.).
• Higher Accuracy: The system continuously corrects itself based on feedback.
• More Complex: Requires sensors, processing power, and more advanced programming.
• Adaptive: Can handle variability and disturbances in the environment.