StopandGoFunktionen

StopandGoFunktionen is a term used in engineering and control theory to describe a simple stop-and-go control strategy that alternates between two states: stop and go. The concept is applied in various domains and is often described in German-language sources as a two-state or alternating-control mechanism.

The core idea is a finite-state machine with two primary states. In the stop state, actuators are inhibited or held at a safe position. In the go state, actuators are allowed to move or operate within defined limits. Transitions between the states are triggered by input signals from sensors, timeout timers, or external commands, and are designed to ensure safety, energy efficiency, or throughput goals. The approach favors predictable, low-complexity behavior suitable for environments with simple or noisy inputs.

Applications of StopandGoFunktionen span robotics, industrial automation, and traffic or crowd management where straightforward, robust control is advantageous. In robotics, it can regulate locomotion or gripper operation; in conveyors and material handling, it can coordinate movement with upstream or downstream processes; in traffic-like scenarios, it can provide a basic pacing mechanism to prevent collisions or congestion.

Implementation typically involves a state machine implemented in software or hardware. A basic program flow checks conditions and toggles between stop and go accordingly, often with debouncing or hysteresis to reduce chattering. While the method is simple and reliable, it can introduce latency, reduce throughput, and cause unwanted oscillations if timing and transition criteria are not carefully tuned.

See also: stop-and-go control, finite-state machine, motion planning.