Chapter 6
Automated and emerging technologies
Automated Systems
1. Use of Sensors, Microprocessors, and Actuators
o Sensors:
Devices that detect changes in the environment (e.g., temperature, light, motion).
Examples: Thermometers, light sensors, motion detectors.
o Microprocessors:
Small computer processors that interpret data from sensors and make decisions.
Examples: Microcontrollers in home automation systems.
o Actuators:
Devices that perform actions based on microprocessor decisions.
Examples: Motors, valves, and relays.
2. Advantages and Disadvantages of Automated Systems
o Advantages:
Increased efficiency and productivity.
Reduced human error.
Ability to operate in hazardous environments.
o Disadvantages:
High initial setup costs.
Potential job displacement.
Dependence on technology and possible technical failures.
Robotics
1. Definition and Characteristics of Robots
o Definition:
Machines capable of carrying out a complex series of actions automatically.
o Characteristics:
Programmable.
Capable of performing tasks.
May have sensors and actuators.
2. Roles, Advantages, and Disadvantages of Robots
o Roles:
Manufacturing, medical surgeries, exploration, domestic chores.
o Advantages:
Precision and consistency in tasks.
Ability to work in dangerous or inaccessible environments.
Continuous operation without fatigue.
o Disadvantages:
High development and maintenance costs.
Limited to programmed tasks.
Ethical concerns regarding job displacement.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
1. Definition and Characteristics of AI
o Definition:
Simulation of human intelligence in machines programmed to think and learn.
o Characteristics:
Ability to process large amounts of data.
Learning from data (machine learning).
Decision making based on data analysis.
2. Basic Operation and Components of AI Systems
o Components:
Data Input: Gathering data from various sources.
Processing: Analyzing data using algorithms.
Output: Producing results or decisions.
o Operation:
Data collection → Data analysis → Pattern recognition → Decision making.
Questions
Short Questions
1. What are the main components of an automated system?
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2. Define a robot and mention two characteristics.
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3. What is artificial intelligence (AI)?
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4. List two advantages and two disadvantages of automated systems.
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5. Explain the basic operation of an AI system.
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Long Questions
1. Discuss the roles, advantages, and disadvantages of robots in modern industries.
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2. Describe the use of sensors, microprocessors, and actuators in automated systems, providing examples for
each component.
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3. Explain what is meant by artificial intelligence and discuss its main characteristics with examples.
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4. Analyze the impact of automated systems on employment and productivity, citing real-world examples.
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5. Illustrate the process of data collection, analysis, and decision making in an AI system, providing a practical
example.
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Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. Which component of an automated system detects changes in the environment?
o A) Microprocessor
o B) Actuator
o C) Sensor
o D) Motor
2. A robot is best defined as a machine that:
o A) Can perform any task
o B) Is programmable and capable of performing complex actions automatically
o C) Only operates in hazardous environments
o D) Requires constant human supervision
3. One main advantage of using automated systems is:
o A) Increased setup costs
o B) Reduced human error
o C) Dependence on technology
o D) Job displacement
4. Artificial intelligence (AI) is characterized by:
o A) Manual data processing
o B) Inability to learn from data
o C) Simulation of human intelligence
o D) Limited decision-making capabilities
5. Which of the following is a disadvantage of using robots?
o A) Precision in tasks
o B) High maintenance costs
o C) Continuous operation without fatigue
o D) Ability to work in dangerous environments
6. In an AI system, the component responsible for analyzing data is:
o A) Data Input
o B) Processing
o C) Output
o D) Sensor
7. Which of the following is an actuator?
o A) Thermometer
o B) Light sensor
o C) Motor
o D) Microcontroller
8. The process in AI where the system learns from data is known as:
o A) Data input
o B) Pattern recognition
o C) Machine learning
o D) Decision making
9. What is one ethical concern regarding the use of robots?
o A) Increased efficiency
o B) Job displacement
o C) Precision in tasks
o D) Ability to work in hazardous environments
10. An example of a task that an AI system can perform is:
o A) Data collection
o B) Manual labor
o C) Physical construction
o D) Data analysis and decision making
