Physical computing

<p>Physical computing involves interactive systems that can sense and respond to the world around them. While this definition is broad enough to encompass systems such as smart automotive traffic <a href="/facts/Control_system/8CEjIDlS">control systems</a> or factory <a href="/facts/Automation/3YlF2K5q">automation</a> processes, it is not commonly used to describe them. In a broader sense, physical computing is a creative framework for understanding human beings' relationship to the <a href="/facts/Digital_data/JChckAvr">digital</a> world. In practical use, the term most often describes handmade art, design or <a href="/facts/DIY/C2Gf8VJW">DIY</a> hobby projects that use <a href="/facts/Sensor/RN8SXbjs">sensors</a> and <a href="/facts/Microcontroller/MKrnAhnm">microcontrollers</a> to translate analog input to a <a href="/facts/Software_system/mglVMfTA">software system</a>, and/or control <a href="/facts/Electro-mechanical/0D5gkXko">electro-mechanical</a> devices such as <a href="/facts/Electric_motor/ArD7BGDa">motors</a>, <a href="/facts/Servomechanism/lS3l6sY2">servos</a>, <a href="/facts/Lighting/Gk54r8xE">lighting</a> or other hardware.
</p><p>Physical computing intersects the range of activities often referred to in academia and industry as electrical engineering, mechatronics, robotics, computer science, and especially <a href="/facts/Embedded_system/a4muX1wU">embedded development.</a>
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Physical computing open-in-new

Physical computing