Automated and emerging

technologies
Chapter 6

Ms. Hazel Intatano

Bina Bangsa School PIK
Learning objectives
• Describe the use sensors, microprocessors and actuators can
be used in collaboration to create automated systems
• Describe the advantages and disadvantages of an automated
system used for a given scenario
• Understand what is meant by robotics
• Describe the characteristics of a robot
• Understand the roles that robots can perform and describe the
advantages and disadvantages of their use

Ms. Hazel Intatano

Bina Bangsa School PIK
Automated System

Ms. Hazel Intatano

Bina Bangsa School PIK
Industrial applications
Example 1: A nuclear power station
A key use of automated systems is in the control and monitoring of a
nuclear power station.

Ms. Hazel Intatano

Bina Bangsa School PIK
 Advantages
• much faster than a human operator to take any necessary
action
• much safer the process is more likely to run under optimum
conditions since any small changes needed can be identified
very quickly and action taken in the long run, it is less
expensive

Ms. Hazel Intatano

Bina Bangsa School PIK
 Disadvantages
• expensive to set up in the first place and needs considerable
testing
• always possible for a set of conditions to occur that were
never considered during testing which could have safety
implications
• any computerised system is subject to cyberattacks no matter
how good the system
• automated systems always need enhanced maintenance
which can be expensive
Ms. Hazel Intatano
Bina Bangsa School PIK
Industrial applications
Example 2: Manufacture of paracetamol

Ms. Hazel Intatano

Bina Bangsa School PIK
 Advantages
• much faster than a human operator to take any necessary action
• much safer
• the process is more likely to run under optimum conditions since any
small changes needed can be identified very quickly and action taken
• in the long run, it is less expensive
• more efficient use of materials
• higher productivity
• more consistent results.

Ms. Hazel Intatano

Bina Bangsa School PIK
 Disadvantages
• expensive to set up in the first place and needs considerable
testing
• always possible for a set of conditions to occur that were
never considered during testing which could have safety
implications
• automated systems always need enhanced maintenance
which can be expensive
• any computerised system is subject to cyberattacks no matter
how good the system.
Ms. Hazel Intatano
Bina Bangsa School PIK
Transport applications
Example 3: Self-parking cars

Ms. Hazel Intatano

Bina Bangsa School PIK
 Advantages
• allows the same number of cars to use fewer parking spaces
• avoids traffic disruption in cities cars can fit into smaller
spaces
• fewer dents and scratches to cars safer system since sensors
monitor all objects, including young children very consistent
results.

Ms. Hazel Intatano

Bina Bangsa School PIK
 Disadvantages
• over-reliance on automated systems by the driver
• faulty/dirty sensors or cameras can send false data/images to
the on-board computer which could lead to a malfunction
• kerbing of wheels is a common problem since the sensors may
not pick-up low kerbs
• expensive option that doesn’t really save the driver any money
• requires additional maintenance to ensure it functions correctly
at all times.

Ms. Hazel Intatano

Bina Bangsa School PIK
Transport applications
Example 4: Adaptive cruise control
Makes use of sensors, an on-board computer and actuators to allow a
car to remain a safe distance from another vehicle.

Ms. Hazel Intatano

Bina Bangsa School PIK
Agriculture applications
Example 5: Automated system used in the Brazil irrigation system

Ms. Hazel Intatano

Bina Bangsa School PIK
 Advantages
• reduced labour costs since the system only needs a supervisor to
monitor vast areas
• better and more efficient control of the irrigation process
• better control of precious resources, such as water faster response than
a human having to manually check many kilometres of irrigation
channels
• safer different crops may require different irrigation requirements; it is
possible to program the controllers so that different growing
conditions can be maintained simultaneously.

Ms. Hazel Intatano

Bina Bangsa School PIK
 Disadvantages
• expensive to set up initially
• very high maintenance costs are associated with automated
systems
• increased need to maintain the water channels to ensure the
system works correctly at all times

Ms. Hazel Intatano

Bina Bangsa School PIK
Weather (stations) applications
Example 6: Weather Station

Ms. Hazel Intatano

Bina Bangsa School PIK
Gaming applications
Example 7: Gaming Schema

Ms. Hazel Intatano

Bina Bangsa School PIK
Lighting applications
Example 8: Lighting system in a house

Ms. Hazel Intatano

Bina Bangsa School PIK
 Advantages
• it is possible to control light sources automatically
• a reduced energy consumption
• wireless connections can be chosen which are much safer
• longer bulb life
• possible to program new light displays for various occasions.

Ms. Hazel Intatano

Bina Bangsa School PIK
 Disadvantages
• expensive to set the system up in the first place
• if wireless connections chosen, they can be less
reliable than wired systems
• to ensure consistent performance, the automated
system will require more maintenance

Ms. Hazel Intatano

Bina Bangsa School PIK
Science applications
Example 9: Chemical process in a laboratory

Ms. Hazel Intatano

Bina Bangsa School PIK
 Advantages
• more consistent results
• less dangerous
• faster results
• automatic analysis of the results is possible
• fewer highly trained staff needed for each experiment
• results/experiments can be monitored anywhere in the world
in real time.

Ms. Hazel Intatano

Bina Bangsa School PIK
 Disadvantages
• less flexible than when using human technicians
• security risks are always present if the data is being
shared globally
• equipment can be expensive to buy and set up in the
first place.

Ms. Hazel Intatano

Bina Bangsa School PIK
Robotics

Ms. Hazel Intatano

Bina Bangsa School PIK
What is robotics?
The word robot comes from the Czech word robota (which means
‘forced labour’) and the term was first used in the 1920s play ‘Rossum’s
Universal Robots’. The concept of the robot has fired the imagination of
science fiction writers for countless years; indeed Isaac Asimov even
composed his three laws of robotics:
• a robot may not injure a human through action or inaction
• a robot must obey orders given by humans, unless it comes into
conflict with law 1
• a robot must protect itself, unless this conflicts with law 1.

Ms. Hazel Intatano

Bina Bangsa School PIK
 Factories
• welding parts together
• spray-painting panels on a car
• fitting windscreens to cars
• cutting out metal parts to a high
precision
• bottling and labelling plants
• warehouses (automatic location
of items)

Ms. Hazel Intatano

Bina Bangsa School PIK
 In the home
• autonomous floor sweepers
• autonomous lawn mower
• ironing robots (for example,
‘dressman’)
• pool cleaning
• automatic window cleaners
• entertainment (‘friend’ robots)

Ms. Hazel Intatano

Bina Bangsa School PIK
 Drones
• unmanned aerial vehicles
(UAVs) are drones that are either
remotely controlled or totally
autonomous using embedded
systems
• can be used in reconnaissance
• can be used to make parcel
deliveries

Ms. Hazel Intatano

Bina Bangsa School PIK
Characteristics of a robot
Have a degree of
Ability to sense movement
their
surroundings

Programmable

Ms. Hazel Intatano

Bina Bangsa School PIK
Notes about Robots

Ms. Hazel Intatano

Bina Bangsa School PIK
Types of Robots
Independent Dependent

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Bina Bangsa School PIK
Role of Robots and
their advantages and disadvantages
Agricultu
Industry Domestic
re

Entertainmen
Transport Medicine t

Ms. Hazel Intatano

Bina Bangsa School PIK
Industry

Ms. Hazel Intatano

Bina Bangsa School PIK
Transport

Ms. Hazel Intatano

Bina Bangsa School PIK
 Advantages and disadvantage of
Autonomous vehicles
Advantages Disadvantages
safer since human error is removed leading to fewer very expensive system to set up in the first place
accidents
better for the environment since vehicles will operate the ever-present fear of hacking into the vehicle’s
more efficiently control
system
reduced traffic congestion security and safety issues
increased lane capacity the need to make sure the system is well-maintained at
all
times; cameras need to be kept clean so that they don’t
give false results; sensors could fail to function in
heavy snowfall or blizzard conditions
reduced travel times therefore less commuting time driver and passenger reluctance to use the new
technology
stress-free parking for motorists reduction in the need for taxis could lead to
unemployment
Ms. Hazel Intatano
Bina Bangsa School PIK
 Advantages and disadvantage of
Autonomous trains
Advantages Disadvantages
this improves the punctuality of the trains the ever-present fear of hacking into the vehicle’s
control
system
reduced running costs system doesn’t work well with very busy services
improves safety since human error is removed high capital costs and operational costs initially
minimises energy consumption since there is better ensuring passenger behaviour is acceptable particularly
control of speed and an optimum service requires less during busy times
energy
it is possible to increase the frequency of trains passenger reluctance to use the new technology
it is easier to change train scheduling no drivers mean there will be a need for CCTV to
monitor
railway stations

Ms. Hazel Intatano

Bina Bangsa School PIK
 Advantages and disadvantage of
Autonomous planes
Advantages Disadvantages
improvement in passenger comfort security aspects if no pilots on-board
reduced running costs emergency situations during the flight may be difficult
to deal with
improved safety hacking into the system
improved aerodynamics at the front of the airplane passenger reluctance to use the new technology
since there would no longer be the need to include a
software glitches
cockpit for the pilots

Ms. Hazel Intatano

Bina Bangsa School PIK
Agriculture

Ms. Hazel Intatano

Bina Bangsa School PIK
Medicine

Ms. Hazel Intatano

Bina Bangsa School PIK
Domestic use

Ms. Hazel Intatano

Bina Bangsa School PIK
Entertainment

Ms. Hazel Intatano

Bina Bangsa School PIK
Artificial Intelligence

Ms. Hazel Intatano

Bina Bangsa School PIK
Learning objectives
• Understand what is meant by artificial intelligence (AI)
• Describe the main characteristics of AI as the collection of
data and the rules for using that data, the ability to reason,
and can include the ability to learn and adapt
• Explain the basic operation and components of AI systems to
simulate intelligent behaviour

Ms. Hazel Intatano

Bina Bangsa School PIK
What is AI?
• a branch of computer science dealing with the simulation of intelligent
human behaviour by a computer
• often referred to as the cognitive functions of the human brain that is,
the mental process of acquiring knowledge and understanding through
thought, experience and the five senses

Ms. Hazel Intatano

Bina Bangsa School PIK
Characteristics of AI
narrow AI – this occurs when a machine has superior performance to a
human when doing one specific task

general AI – this occurs when a machine is similar (not superior) in its

performance to a human doing a specific task

strong AI – this occurs when a machine has superior performance to a

human in many tasks

Ms. Hazel Intatano

Bina Bangsa School PIK
Video resources
• Automated Systems

Ms. Hazel Intatano

Bina Bangsa School PIK
End of Chapter

Ms. Hazel Intatano

Bina Bangsa School PIK