Transient response refers to how a system reacts to changes in input or initial conditions before reaching a steady state. This behavior is crucial in fields like control systems and electrical engineering, where systems must quickly adapt to new conditions, such as a sudden change in voltage or load. During the transient phase, the system may exhibit oscillations or overshoot before stabilizing. Understanding transient response helps engineers design systems that can efficiently handle disturbances, ensuring reliability and performance in applications like automotive systems and robotics.