> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://www.ctrlaltftc.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://www.ctrlaltftc.com/introduction-to-controls.md). # Why Control Theory is A Must Have ## Why Controls? *Control theory* is a field of engineering that deals with designing controllers (typically implemented in software) to move a system to the desired state. Some systems are easy to control, some are difficult to control, and some are even impossible to control. Knowing which systems to design for and implementing a controller for them is a crucial skill that proves useful in many real-world jobs. It enables your robot to perform more reliably and efficiently. Implementing robust controls in your robot not only improves autonomous performance but also provides the peace of mind that your robot will behave as expected. --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter: ``` GET https://www.ctrlaltftc.com/introduction-to-controls.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.