Finite state machines, offered commercially, are computational models used to design and control sequential logic circuits. They represent systems with a finite number of states and transitions between those states triggered by specific inputs. A vending machine, for example, uses this logic to transition between states like “idle,” “coin inserted,” and “dispensing product” based on user interaction. These automated systems are commonly implemented in hardware and software across various industries.
The availability of these machines on the market facilitates efficient development of complex control systems. Their inherent ability to simplify complex logic into manageable states offers advantages in terms of design, implementation, and maintenance. This structured approach to system design, with roots in theoretical computer science, has become increasingly critical for managing intricate processes in modern technology, from industrial automation to embedded systems.
