Question: A robotics team programs 3 robots to navigate a grid. Each robot has a 20% chance of taking the wrong path independently. What is the probability that exactly 1 robot takes the wrong path?

Mon, 04 May 2026 18:00:52 +0000

**Discover | Decoding Probability: What’s the Odds When Robots Go Off Track?**
Robotics innovation is reshaping how machines navigate complex environments—from warehouse automation to planetary rovers. A growing community of enthusiasts and educators is exploring a compelling question: if each robot has a 20% chance of taking a wrong path independently, what’s the chance that exactly one of three programmed robots strays? This isn’t just a theory—it highlights real-world concepts in path planning, error probability, and independent decision-making under uncertainty. Understanding this setup sheds light on the stochastic systems behind modern automation. ### Why This Question Matters in Robotics Today Across the US and globally, robotics teams increasingly test algorithms that simulate how autonomous systems handle uncertainty. When designing navigation software, developers simulate errors to predict failure rates and improve resilience. A common scenario involves multiple robots executing parallel tasks—each with independent risks—making the calculation of rare but impactful events vital. This 20%-off-path metric reflects real-world sensor noise, software glitches, or dynamic environmental triggers. The notion of exactly one robot failing draws attention to balance between reliability and risk, a core theme in robotics engineering. As communities explore automation, such probabilistic models become essential tools for safer, smarter robots in diverse fields.