Lesson 6 40 mins 

TYPES OF SYSTEMS (25 mins) 

In order to understand sensors, it is important to first understand the requirements of sensors. This topic aims at explaining the requirement of sensors. A trainer can take different examples to demonstrate, the best one being a bowl and a ball experiment.

➔ Stable 

When an object is in equilibrium and a small external force is applied on the object, then if the object comes back to its equilibrium position it is said to be a stable system. Eg: ball in a bowl 

➔ Unstable 

When an object is in equilibrium and a small external force is applied on the object, then if the object doesn’t ​come back to its equilibrium position it is said to be an unstable system. Eg: ball over an inverted bowl 

➔ Neutrally stable 

When an object is in equilibrium and a small external force is applied on the object, then if the object doesn’t ​come back to its equilibrium position but it becomes stable at the new position, it is said to be an unstable system. Eg: ball on a flat surface 

TRIVIA (15 mins) 

This question tries to sum up the knowledge gained from the topic. Try to demonstrate by gently pushing a standing kid. The kid will try to balance himself but that is his sensor commanding his brain to balance out.

➔ Is a standing man mechanically stable system? 

No, a standing man is a mechanically unstable system. If you push a standing man with hands and legs tied, he is bound to fall down and not return to his original position automatically. 

➔ What type of system is a drone? 

A drone is a ​Neutrally stable system which is stabilized with the help of sensors, microcontroller and motors. So if you were to drop a drone without Arming, it would fall in

The same orientation as it was left in, assuming that we apply no torque on the drone while dropping it.