Page 321 - Concise Encyclopedia of Robotics
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In robots, synchros find many different uses. They are especially well
suited to fine motion, and also to teleoperation. A simple synchro, used
to indicate direction, is called a selsyn.
Some synchro devices are programmable.The operator inputs a number
into the synchro generator, and the receiver changes position accordingly.
Computers allow sequences of movements to be programmed. This allows
complex, remote-control robot operation. Compare SELSYN, SERVOMECH-
ANISM, and STEPPER MOTOR.
See also TELEOPERATION. Syntax
SYNTAX
Syntax refers to the way a sentence,either written or spoken,is put together.
It is important in speech recognition and speech synthesis. It is also impor-
tant in computer programming. Each high-level language has its own
unique syntax.
You studied sentence structure in middle-school English grammar
classes. Most students find it boring, but it can be fascinating if you have
a good teacher. Diagramming sentences is like working with mathematical
logic.Computers are good at this.Some engineers spend their careers figur-
ing out new and better ways to interface human language with computers.
There are several basic sentence forms; all sentences can be classified
into one of these forms. The sentence “John lifts the tray,” for example,
might be called SVO for subject/verb/object. “John” is the subject,“lifts” is
the verb, and “tray” is the object.
Different languages have different syntax rules.In the Russian language,
“I like you” is said as “I you like.” That is, an SVO sentence is really SOV.
The meaning is clear, as long as the syntax rules are known. However, if
the syntax rules are not known, the meaning can be lost.
When designing a robot that can talk with people, engineers must
program syntax rules into the controller. Otherwise the robot might make
nonsensical statements, or misinterpret what people say.
See also CONTEXT, PROSODIC FEATURES, SPEECH RECOGNITION, and SPEECH SYNTHESIS.