I can distinguish open-loop from closed-loop control and justify the correct choice for a mission task.
POE Unit 3 • Lesson 3.2
Control Systems and Mission Logic
Focus question: When should a mission use open-loop control, and when is feedback necessary?
Mission Briefing
Today’s Plan
A focused sequence that advances the rover and VEX ground-support mission.
Opening promptConcept modelGuided practiceInteractive applicationEvidence checkExit ticket
Lesson Targets
What You Will Be Able to Do
Control strategy comparison
The comparison connects feedback needs, disturbances, and mission risk to the selected control strategy.
Activity Flow
How the Lesson Moves
Each step builds the control-systems reasoning needed for today’s deliverable.
1. Compare control loops
Identify where feedback is absent or present.
2. Analyze disturbances
Predict how changing conditions affect each strategy.
3. Choose a strategy
Defend the control type for a specific aerospace task.
Lesson Interactive
Control strategy comparison Practice
Apply the lesson concept to an aerospace rover or VEX ground-support scenario. Use the feedback to correct reasoning before documenting the main deliverable.
Mission Control Scenarios
Classify each system by whether it measures the result while operating.
| Scenario | Control Type |
|---|---|
| Run motors at 50% for 3 seconds | |
| Turn until gyro reads 90° | |
| Hold lift height using a position sensor |
Choose the Mission Strategy
Look for a measured output that is compared with a target while the system is running.
Today’s Work
Main Deliverable
Open-Loop vs. Closed-Loop Comparison
Create one focused engineering artifact that demonstrates today’s learning.
- Compare how each system commands motion and responds to disturbances.
- Recommend one control strategy for a rover approach task and justify it with mission evidence.
Exit Ticket
Mission Debrief
State one control-systems or automation idea from today in your own words.
Name one measurement, calculation, trace, or test result that supports your design decision.
Identify one interface, logic, safety, or reliability risk to carry into the next lesson.
Resources
Lesson Resources
Lesson 3.2 PowerPoint
Use the presentation to review the lesson concepts, examples, and activity directions.
Principles of Engineering
Return to the POE course hub for units, resources, certifications, and course information.
Rover Mission + VEX Ground Support System
Use the integrated mission context when connecting logic, sensing, actuation, testing, and design-review evidence.