#### 220.671. A robotics engineer is programming a surgical robot to perform a precise task. The robot moves in a grid-like pattern, calibrated to move 12.5 cm per step. If the robot must travel a total distance of 3.75 meters, how many steps does it take to complete the task?

Mon, 04 May 2026 14:22:29 +0000

**How an 8.4-Step Grid Pattern Enables Precision in Surgical Robotics** Why are robotic systems increasingly shaping modern surgery? Engineers are creating machines that operate with nanoscale accuracy, responding to intricate grid-based commands that define every movement. One key challenge lies in translating linear distance into precise robotic steps—a concept now gaining traction as medical automation evolves. The scenario at hand illustrates how even a seemingly small precision task demands exact calculation: a surgical robot moving in a grid pattern, each step measured at 12.5 centimeters, must traverse 3.75 meters to complete its intended procedure. This isn’t just a math problem—it’s a foundational element in the development of life-critical automation. #### The Math Behind the Grid: Precision in Motion If a surgical robot moves 12.5 centimeters per step, converting total distance into number of steps reveals key insights. At exactly 3.75 meters—equivalent to 375 centimeters—the system divides the total travel by step length:
3.75 meters = 375 centimeters
375 cm ÷ 12.5 cm/step = 30 steps