Automated Systems and Emerging technologies

• An Automated System is the combination of software and hardware (such as sensors, microprocessors, and actuators) that is designed to work automatically without any human intervention
• A Sensor (aka automated input) which is an input device that takes readings from its surroundings and then sends the data to a microprocessor or computer. If the data is analogue, it is first converted to digital form by an analogue-to-digital converter (ADC).
• The Microprocessor processes the input from the sensors (e.g. check if input values exceed preset values). If necessary it will send instructions to other components such as actuator.
• An Actuator turns the electrical signals (sent by a microprocessor) into physical outputs such as movements (e.g. turn on a valve, rotate steering).
• Applications of Automates Systems in the real world are: Transportation, Weather, Gaming, Lighting, Agriculture, Industry, and Science
• An example of applying automated systems to transport is autonomous cars. These use sensors, cameras, microprocessors, and actuators to carry out their function safely. Microprocessors process the data received from cameras and actuators and send signals to actuators to perform physical actions such as: changing gear, applying brakes, turning the steering.
• Transport ADVANTAGES: -Safer since human error is removed, meaning fewer accidents -Better for the environment as vehicles will operate more efficiently
• Transport DISADVANTAGES: -Very expensive to set up in the first place -The fear of someone hacking into the vehicle's control system
• Automated systems could be applied to AGRICULTURE by automatic harvesting of crops. Sensors would detect the optimal times from harvesting, depending on factors such as weather conditions. The microprocessors would determine the exact location for harvest. The actuators are then used to carry out the extraction of goods from the ground.
• Agriculture ADVANTAGE: -The delivery of chemicals (pesticides and fertilizer) can be given very accurately, which is important to the success of farming and crops.
• Agriculture DISADVANTAGE: -Fewer job opportunities as many humans are increasingly replaced by machinery. The robots are also quite expensive initially.
• Automated systems can be applied to WEATHER at airports by helping predict poor flying and landing conditions. Sensors check for poor weather conditions such as wind, rain, fog or snow. Microprocessors are used to issue relevant warnings based on the data gathered. Actuators can activate emergency responses such as lighting whenever required.
• Weather ADVANTAGES: -Information about the weather conditions in constantly fed to air traffic controllers.
• Weather DISADVANTAGE: -Predictions can sometimes be incorrect, for example if snow is forecasted but does not arrive.
• Automated systems are applied to Gaming as AI as opponents in computer games. Sensors are built into gaming environments where characters interact with human controllers. Microprocessors determine game outcomes and decisions. Actuators are activated in controlled to give haptic feedback, such as vibrations.
• Gaming ADVANTAGE: AI opponents acting a 'human' way increase the depths of gaming challenge
• Gaming DISADVANTAGE: -Decreases social interaction with humans and can create an almost fictional life.
• Automated applications of LIGHTING include controlling systems in a house where routine can be present based on behaviors. Sensors can detect ambient light levels. Microprocessors run routines based on human requirements. Actuators can activate home equipment.\
• Lighting ADVANTAGE: -System can be taught to react to environmental factors, for example switching lights on and off in appropriate conditions.
• Lighting DISADVANTAGE: -Systems can be complex as they are different from traditional switches. The lightbulbs and technology can also be difficult to maintain.
• Automated applications of HEATING include smart thermostats that control heating systems within homes or buildings. Sensors monitor temperature changes. Microprocessors calculate how much heat is required. Actuators adjust the heating system accordingly.
• Automated applications of SCIENCE include automated lab experiments that can be carried out continuously over several day. Sensors detect changes in environmental conditions. Microprocessors can calculate required alterations in experimental settings. Actuators can turn on heaters, coolers, or water coolers as required.
• Science ADVANTAGE: -Many more repetitions of experiments and readings of data can be carried out than when humans carry out tests.
• Science DISADVANTAGE: If something goes wrong it would be several hours before this is discovered, which could ruin any results collected.
• Medicine ADVANTAGE: -Robots have better dexterity and accuracy compared to human hands. They do not get tired during long procedures.
• Medicine DISADVANTAGE: -The cost of buying and maintaining such equipment may be too high for some hospitals.
• Automated applications of MEDICINE include robotic surgery where surgeons use computer-controlled instruments to perform operations with greater precision. A surgeon controls the robot using a joystick. Cameras transmit images of the patient's body to a screen so the surgeon can see inside the body while operating.
• ROBOTIC means the design, construction, and operation of robots that are used to enhance our work and personal lives.
• 1. Robots should have sensors, a microprocessor, and actuators. Sensors sense the surroundings. Microprocessors process the input data. And actuators do the work.
• 2. A Robot must have mechanical structures. It should have machinery with movable parts. E.g. they can make use of wheels, cogs, pistons and gears for functions like turning, twisting, moving front/back, gripping.
• 3. Robots are programmable. They have a 'brain' known as a controller that determines the action to be taken to perform a certain task. Controllers are programmable to allow the robot to do certain tasks, and rely on input data from the sensors.
• Independent robot: A robot that is not directly controlled by a human (they are said to be autonomous, for example, an autonomous vehicle).
• Dependent robot: A robot with a human who is interfacing directly with it (the human interface may be a computer or a control panel).
• Robotics is used in the fields of: Agriculture, Medicine, Domestic, Entertainment, Industry, Transport.
• Industry Advantages (Robotics): -Robots are capable of working is conditions that may be hazardous to humans -Robots work 24/7 without the need to stop
• Industry Disadvantages (Robotics): -Robots can lead to higher unemployment in manual labor tasks -There's a risk of deskilling when robots take over certain tasks.
• Transport Advantages (Robotics): -Safer as human error is removed, leading to fewer accidents -Better for the environment as vehicles will operate more efficiently
• Transport Disadvantages (Robotics): -Very expensive to set up in the first place -The fear of hacking into the vehicle's control system
• In farming robots could perform the repetitive, dull tasks allowing farmers to focus on improving production yields.
• Agriculture Advantage (Robotics): -Delivery of chemicals (fertilizer and pesticides) is quite accurate, which is important to success in farming