What is the main difference between autonomous and user-controlled phases?

• A. Autonomous requires joystick input during automated operation.
• B. Autonomous runs without human input, while user-controlled uses joystick/button input
• C. Autonomous runs after the user-controlled phase
• D. User-controlled operates autonomously

Answer: (B)

The key idea is who controls the robot during each phase. In the autonomous phase, the robot runs without human input, carrying out pre-programmed actions based on its sensors and routines. In the user-controlled phase, a driver uses a joystick or control interface to operate the robot in real time. This contrast—no human input versus active human control—is what sets the two apart. The statement that autonomous runs without human input while user-controlled uses joystick input captures this difference. The other options mix up who or how control happens, or imply a fixed order that isn’t necessarily required.