Software & Middleware

Finite State Machine (FSM)

A finite state machine is a computational model consisting of a finite set of discrete states, transitions triggered by events or conditions, and actions associated with states or transitions. In robotics, FSMs structure task-level logic and mode switching, such as locomotion phase machines in legged control or grasp-transport-place sequences in manipulation. Hierarchical state machines and behavior trees extend the pattern for more complex, reusable task logic.

Why it matters for physical AI

Even highly learned stacks need auditable supervisory logic for mode switching, safety interlocks, and recovery sequencing; state machines remain the standard glue between neural policies and dependable system behavior.