BEAM robots primarily use simple analog circuits instead of microprocessors.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not sure
• D. Both

Answer: (A)

BEAM robotics emphasizes hardware-driven behavior using simple analog circuits, not software. These robots are built from discrete components like transistors, diodes, op-amps, and RC networks to create sensor-to-motor responses directly in the circuit. Without programming or microcontrollers, the robot’s actions arise from the circuit design itself—thresholds, feedback, and timing effects that react to light, touch, or shadow in real time. This approach keeps designs small, cheap, and robust, and the behavior tends to be emergent from the hardware rather than from software. While some modern variants might experiment with microcontrollers, the traditional BEAM concept centers on analog circuitry, so the statement is best understood as true.