Hybrid automaton

A hybrid automaton is like a robot that can do different things at different times based on different rules. For example, imagine a toy robot that walks on two legs, but it can also change into a car and drive around.

The robot has different sensors that help it make decisions, like a camera that helps it see where it's going or a microphone that helps it hear sounds. When it is walking, it uses one set of rules to help it balance and move its legs properly. But when it changes into a car, it has a different set of rules that help it steer and accelerate.

The robot is called a "hybrid" automaton because it can switch back and forth between different modes of operation. It's like having two different robots in one! This can be useful in situations where you need a robot to do multiple things, like a search and rescue robot that can fly, crawl, and walk.

Overall, a hybrid automaton is a type of robot that can switch between different modes of operation based on different rules and sensors that help it make decisions.