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CHAPTER

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14
Robotics and
automated
systems
Syllabus outcomes
5.2.1
5.2.2
5.2.3

Describes and applies problem-solving processes when


creating solutions.
Designs, produces and evaluates appropriate solutions to a
range of challenging problems.
Critically analyses decision-making processes in a range of
information and software solutions.

Overview
This chapter provides an overview of robotics and automated
systems. It starts by examining robotics and the types, purpose and
use of robots. You will learn the function of robots including the
use of sensors and actuators. The second half of the chapter
describes automated control and automated systems.

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14. 1 Robotics

Karl Capek derived


the word robot
from the Czech
work robotnik
meaning slave
labour.

314

Robotics is the study of the design, construction and use of robots.


People have been excited about robots for a number of years. The
term robot was first used in a classic play written in 1923 by Karel
Capek called R.U.R. (stands for Rossums Universal Robots). Robots
were mechanical men and women created to serve the human race.
The term android is now commonly used for human-like robots.
The robots in R.U.R. were developed to the point where they
revolted against people and proceeded to take over the world.
Authors have since written many fictional books and movies
containing good and bad robots.
Isaac Asimov wrote a science fiction book called I, Robot in
1950. It contained three laws of robotics that may still be relevant
to the future development of robots:
a robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction,
allow a human being to come to harm
a robot must obey orders given it by a human being except
where such orders would conflict with the first law
a robot must protect its own existence as long as such
protection does not conflict with the first or second law.
The development of robots started in the textile industry in the
eighteenth century. Joseph-Marie Jacquard perfected an automated
looming machine to repeat the repetitive work on looms by weavers.
The industrial revolution spread automation to many other industries.
However, true robots were not possible until the invention of the
electronic computer in 1943. The first robot was called shakey. It
was built by researchers at the Standford Research Institute in 1968.
Shakey was larger than several humans, controlled by a computer
the size of a room and used a television camera. It took hours to
arrange blocks into stacks. In 1973 the first commercial industrial
robot was available. It was developed by Richard Hohn for Cincinnati
Milacron Corporation. The robot was called T3 (The Tomorrow
Tool). It tracked objects on a moving conveyor.
The vision many people have of robots is not matched by reality.
A robot is a computer-controlled machine designed to perform
physical tasks. It is more flexible and adaptable than other automated
systems. Robots are able to perform many tasks more quickly, cheaply
and accurately than people. A typical robot will have a movable
structure, actuator, sensors, power supply and processor. The
processor receives data about the environment from a sensor.
Robots change their actions to some degree in response to changes
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in the environment. The physical actions


are completed using an actuator.
Robot soccer is an interesting research
project that started in the 1980s. There
are three robots on a team and the soccer
field is the size of a table tennis table.
Robots are cubes with 7.5 centimetre
sides with two wheels driven by an
electromotor. A microprocessor inside the
robot controls the wheels by following
instructions from a computer. A camera
over the field sends images to the
computer. The computer processes these
images and recognises the positions of the
robots and the ball (see Figure 14.1).
Robot soccer is played without
interruption from people.

Figure 14.1 Robot soccer

Types of robots
Robots consist of industrial robots and domestic robots.
Industrial robots are automated machines that work on assembly
lines. They are designed to do exactly the same action over and over
again. For example, robots are used to weld panels on a car coming
down an assembly line (see Figure 14.2). Industrial robots need to
be taught each action. The exact sequence of actions is stored in a
program. Industrial robots are not restricted to one task. They can be
re-programmed to perform a different task, the same as a computer.
Domestic robots are mobile robots that work in homes and
businesses. Providing mobility for a
domestic robot is an important
consideration. Wheels or tracks are used
if robots are to move over smooth
ground. Rough terrain requires other
methods, such as building robots with
legs. Domestic robots have been
developed to vacuum a house when the
owner is asleep. They are being used in
hospitals to transport medications and in
museums to protect galleries. Researchers
are predicting robots will become a
normal part of everyday life in the near
future.
Figure 14.2 Robots in a car assembly line
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Purpose of robots

Figure 14.3

The population of robots is expanding at an extraordinary rate. The


purpose of robots includes:
Performing dangerous tasks: Robots perform tasks in unsafe
environments, such as cleaning up hazardous waste. They reduce
the risk of injury in the manufacturing industry, such as
welding car bodies.
Performing repetitive tasks: Robots are able to repeat their
actions accurately. They never become tired and can complete
jobs requiring extreme precision. Robots will always perform
their task in exactly the same way, such as drilling a hole in the
same position.
Operating in remote locations:
Robots are able to complete
tasks in locations difficult for
people to access, such as at
the bottom of the ocean or in
outer space (see Figure 14.3).
Robots are used to
manufacture integrated
circuits. The tiny
components on a silicon
chip require very precise
placement that is difficult
Robots in space
for humans.
Saving labour costs: Robots are able to work 24 hours a day,
without lunch breaks, sick leave or holidays. Robots are
expensive to design and install but when operational reduce
labour costs.

Use of robots
Robots are used in a range of situations, such as the following:
Explorationinvolves robots exploring dangerous or remote
locations. Remote robots are commonly used for this task. The
robot is partly controlled using radio or infrared signals. The
operator directs the robot to go to a certain spot then the robot
uses its sensors to find its own way. Robots are used to explore
inside volcanos, other planets or to seek out landmines.
Assembly linea series of workstations that gradually produce a
product. Robots are used at these workstations to perform a
physical task such as welding, painting or part fitting. Robots
and people usually work together on the assembly line.
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Maintenance and repairrobots fix equipment in many


industries, such as a nuclear power plant, aircraft servicing and
underwater facilities. Robots are chosen for this work because of
their precision or because the location is dangerous or remote.

Exercise 14.1
1

Copy and complete the following sentences:


a _______ was the first robot.
b A robot is a computer-controlled machine designed to perform
_______ tasks.
c One purpose of a _______ is to operate in remote locations.
d An _______ is a series of workstations that gradually produces a
product.
What am I?
a The study of the design, construction and use of robots.
b The author of the science fiction book called I, Robot.
c Automated machines that work on assembly lines.
d A mobile robot that works in homes and businesses.
Copy and complete the following by replacing the letter in brackets
with a suitable term:
Robots are able to perform many (a) more quickly, cheaply and
accurately than people. They are able to (b) their actions accurately.
Robots will also perform in (c) environments and operate in (d)
locations.
a When was the term robot first used?
b What makes up a typical robot?
c How is the mobility of a domestic robot an important
consideration?
d List the three main purposes of robots.
e Describe the use of robots in exploration.
f Why would a robot be used for maintenance and repair of
equipment?

Development
5

Do research into the representation of robots in movies and on


television. Construct a table that identifies and describes the
characteristics of at least five different robots in movies and
television.
Robots will free millions of people from dirty, dangerous and
boring industrial work and their application will enrich society.
Do you agree with this statement? Give reasons for your answer.

14 Robotics and automated systems

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14. 2 Function of robots

Figure 14.4

Industrial robots often have movable robotic arms. The amount of


movement in robots is called the degrees of freedom. Most robotic
arms have seven metal segments that are joined
by six joints (see Figure 14.4). The arm has six
degrees of freedom because there are six joints.
Many robotic arms have end effectors attached
on the last joint. There are all sorts of end
effectors that are suited to particular
applications. One common end effector is called
a gripper. Grippers are capable of grasping,
holding and controlling objects. Some robots
have hands with built-in pressure sensors that
indicate how hard a robot is gripping an object.
End effectors are also tools capable of
performing physical actions such as cutting,
painting or drilling. The operation of a robot is
dependent on sensors, actuators, computer
A robotic arm
control and software programs.

Sensors

Lit 7.1

318

A sensor is an input device that measures data from the


environment. Sensors are used to detect different physical
conditions such as temperature, light, motion, touch, pressure and
flow of fluids.
Temperature sensors measure the temperature of the air or a
body. The control of temperature is very important in many
industries. Different temperature sensors are required for
different applications, such as thermostat, thermistor,
thermocouple and thermometer. Some types of temperature
sensors may be inappropriate for use due to the large range of
temperatures, the sensitivity of the sensor or their breakability.
Light sensors detect the presence of light or the intensity of light.
They are used to control the motion of robots and their
interpretation of the environment. Researchers are working very
hard at the interpretation of light images received by light
detectors. Photoresistor and phototransistor are two types of
light sensors.
Motion sensors measure the movement of objects. There are
sensors to detect position, distance, speed and acceleration. A
common motion sensor includes slotted wheels attached to a
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robots joints. A light beam is sent through the slots to a light


sensor on the other side of the wheel. When the wheel moves
the slots break the light beam and this indicates the amount of
motion. This type of sensor is also used in a mechanical mouse.
Touch sensors detect whether two objects have come into
contact. For example, in a motor vehicle assembly line, touch
sensors are used to determine that a car is in the correct
position before welding or spraying can take place.
Pressure sensors measure the exertion of a force. A capacitor is a
type of pressure sensor that stores electric charges. When
pressure is placed on the capacitor there is a change in the level
of the stored charge. Measuring the change in the stored charge
indicates the force of the pressure.
Flow sensors detect the motion of fluids, including liquids and
gases. They are often used to measure the flow of liquids and
gases through pipes and drains. One common flow sensor is a
turbine. The flowing liquid spins a turbine like a windmill. The
speed the turbine spins indicates the flow of the liquid.

Interactive

Actuators
An actuator performs the
physical action of the robot.
Some common actuators are
electric motors, stepper
motors, solenoids and
hydraulic pumps.
Electric motors are the
most common type of
actuators. Direct current
(DC) motors are capable Figure 14.5 Stepper motor
of high precision, fast
acceleration and high reliability. DC motors use battery power
and run continuously in one direction and then in the other
direction. AC motors use normal electrical power and do not
produce their greatest force until they achieve maximum speed.
Stepper motors (or step motors) allow movement in small
precise steps (see Figure 14.5). A stepper motor is used when
precise positioning is requiredit can move in either direction.
Stepper motors are not suitable for heavy loads.
A solenoid is a coil of wire around a magnet. When an electric
current passes through the wire, a magnetic field is generated.
This magnetic field moves the magnet one way or the other
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Most successful
commercial robots
look like normal
machinery. They
are not androids as
depicted in many
movies and books.

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depending on which way the current is going. Washing


machines use solenoids to control the level of water entering the
tub from a tap. A solenoid is a simple mechanism that provides
rapid short movement.
Hydraulic pumps are used when great strength is needed.
Hydraulic fluids are used to power the pump. Hydraulic fluids
are non-compressible fluids, such as oil, that can be used in very
high-pressure situations. The power transmitted by the
hydraulic fluid comes from the pressure the fluid exerts against
things. This power is transmitted through high pressure tubing
to the hydraulic device.
Actuators need a power source. Most robots have a battery or are
connected to the mains power. The electrical circuit generated
powers actuators such as electric motors and solenoids. Hydraulic
systems use electrical values to determine the hydraulic fluids path
through the machine. For example, to move a hydraulic arm, an
electrical valve would be opened and the hydraulic fluid would be
used to push a piston and create movement.

Computer control
Robots are controlled using a processor. The
processor inside the robot is often a microcontroller.
A microcontroller is an integrated circuit with a
CPU, RAM, ROM, timers and input/output ports
(see Figure 14.6). A microcontroller has all the
components of a computer except that it is a
dedicated device. Microcontrollers are often
described as the heart of the robot.
Microcontrollers also can receive data from
sensors, store and process that data and send
the information to an actuator such as a motor.
A computer is often used to give instructions to
the microcontroller. The computer transmits
infrared or radio signals to the microcontroller.
Figure 14.6 A microcontroller controls
the robot

Software
Robot software is designed to give the user total control of a robot.
The software allows the user to control the movement of the robot
while it intelligently avoids obstacles, builds a map for the robot,
sends the robot into specific areas, allows the user to control the

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robot from the Internet and to see and hear what the robot sees
and hears. Robots are also given instructions using a variety of
programming languages.
Non-procedural languages such as LISP and Prolog are used
with complex robots to allow them to make intelligent responses.
The programmer specifies what to do and the system determines
how to do it. Common high level languages such as BASIC are also
used to program robots. They require the programmer to specify
every action using a series of commands. Microcontrollers can be
purchased with the BASIC language built into their integrated
circuit. The user downloads their programs for the robot using
their personal computer.

Lit 7.2

Exercise 14.2
1

Explain the difference between:


a a motion sensor and a touch sensor
b a DC motor and an AC motor.
True or false?
a Robotic arms have seven degrees of freedom.
b Light sensors are used to control the motion of robots.
c Hydraulic fluids are compressible fluids.
d Non-procedural languages are used with simple robots.
What am I?
a End effectors capable of grasping, holding and controlling an
object.
b Sensor used to measure the exertion of a force.
c Integrated circuit with a CPU, RAM, ROM, timers and
input/output ports.
d A common high level language used to program robots.
a What are the degrees of freedom?
b List six different types of sensors.
c What is a flow sensor?
d Describe a solenoid.
e What tasks are performed by a microcontroller?
f List some of the tasks the user can complete using robot
software.

Development
5

Robots are at the cutting edge of technology. Do research to find two


recent developments in robot technology. Describe this technology.
What impact will these developments have on our society?
Do research into the hardware available to construct a robot. Write
a report that summarises your investigation.

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14. 3 Automated control


Tutorial

People visualise
the motor vehicle
assembly line
when thinking
of automation.
The progress of
automation in
the motor vehicle
industry has been
a springboard for
other industries.

Automated control devices manage themselves once given suitable


instructions. Examples of automated control devices include washing
machines and microwaves. Automated control devices use a feedback
principle. The device must be able to measure or sense a physical
quantity such as temperature, position or speed. It uses this data to
control itself. The refrigerator is an example of automated control.
A refrigerator has a thermostat that measures the temperature, a
controller that compares the set temperature with the temperature
in the refrigerator and a compressor motor to remove heat. The
controller turns the compressor motor on and off so that the
refrigerator maintains the set temperature. This feedback principle
used in automated control has been used for centuries. The steam
engine invented in 1788 by James Watt used automated control to
regulate the amount of steam delivered to the engine.
The application of automated control to industrial processes is
called automation. Automation applies machines to tasks once
performed by people. It has the ability to perform a set of complicated
tasks repeatedly with great accuracy. The development of automation
has become increasingly dependent on the use of computer
technology. This has resulted in automated systems that have become
increasingly sophisticated and complex. Advanced systems represent
a level of capability and performance often greater than people, such
as in aircraft navigation systems.

Historical perspective
The development of automation started in the second half of the
eighteenth century in the textile industry (see Figure 14.7). JosephMarie Jacquard perfected an automated looming machine to repeat
the repetitive work on looms by weavers. Products before this time
were still custom made with manually operated machine tools. The
industrial revolution applied the concept of automation from the
textile industry to many other industries. Technology was developed
to build machines that copied the motions of the worker. These
machines were motorised and resulted in the factory system of
production. Workers and machines needed to be located near a
power source.
Automation resulted in better and cheaper goods and services.
The motor vehicle industry adopted the automation concept in the
1920s. Automation out-produced thousands of workers and
resulted in more affordable cars. The invention of the electronic

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computer in 1943 and the


subsequent reduction in the
size of computer parts made
significant changes to
automation. The first
commercial industrial robot
was available in 1973.
General motors started using
industrial robots to build
motor vehicles in 1980.
Automation and robot
technology is now an
accepted part of many
Figure 14.7 Textile industry during the early twentieth century
industries.
Automation and its effect on employment has been an issue
since the eighteenth century. A group of people called the Luddites
smashed the textile machinery in 1812 to stop automation. Some
people still argue that automation is replacing people in a range of
jobs. They argue that robots are performing industrial processes
that were previously done by
a factory worker. The
increasing use of robots and
automation has resulted in
higher unemployment. On
the other hand, some people
argue that automation has
led to economic progress,
new job opportunities and a
more prosperous society.
They suggest there is no link
to unemployment, as new
areas of employment are
created and these are
Figure 14.8 Automation and robots
expanding.
The standard of living enjoyed by most people in the
industrialised world is a product of automation. Automation has
increased the production of most goods and lowered their costs
(see Figure 14.8). Consumer products, such as computers, cars and
televisions, are available to more people because of automation.
People have more leisure time and the real wages of most people
have increased.

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Project: Robot
Amy Nguyen is interested in robotics and wants to build a robot. She
has no previous knowledge about robots. The aim of the project is to
create a simple robot that will be able to move around obstacles in her
house. The robot is to be controlled using her PC.

Define and analyse the problem: Amy investigated a range of


products that could be used to build her robot. She browsed the
Internet and read books on robotics. Amy discussed her project
with a friend who had a robot.

Design possible solutions: Amy arrived at two possible solutions.


She decided to use Lego blocks because of their low cost and
portability. Lego blocks are easily expanded to more complex
robots and tasks.

Produce the solution: Amy purchased the Lego blocks, a


microcontroller, software, two motors, two touch sensors, a light
sensor and a infrared transmitter. She installed the software into
her PC and tested all the products. Amy spent the next few days
building her robot. She used RCX code to create a program for the
robot. Amy tested her robot to ensure it obeyed her commands.

Evaluate the solution: Amy had successfully built a simple robot.


There were no problems with the hardware devices or the
software. Amy plans to create a more complex robot in the future.

Tasks
1

Research the latest hardware and software available to build a


simple robot. Write a brief report that summarises your investigation.

Describe the robots you think will be available in the future.

Exercise 14.3
1

324

True or false?
a Automated computer devices use a feedback principle.
b Automation is the application of machines to tasks once
performed by people.
c The motor vehicle industry adopted the automation concept in
the 1950s.
d Automation has increased the production of most goods and
lowered their costs.
Copy and complete the following by replacing the letter in brackets
with a suitable term:
The application of automated (a) to industrial processes is called
automation. The development of automation has become
dependent on (b) technology. This has resulted in (c) systems that
have become increasingly sophisticated and (d).

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Unjumble these words:


a toiauoatnm
b troob
a What is the feedback principle?
b Why is the refrigerator an example of automated control?
c Where did automation start?
d What event in 1943 made a significant change to automation?
e Who were the Luddities?
f Describe some of the benefits of automation.

Development
5

Do research into the history of automation. Identify the key


historical events for automation. Construct a timeline of these
events. Briefly describe and state the importance of each event.
Automation is the cause of unemployment. Critically discuss this
statement. What is your opinion of the effect of automation on
employment?

14. 4 Automated systems


Automated systems use automated control to perform tasks. The
application of automated systems has grown with developments in
information technology. We use remote control garage doors, home
security systems, automated lighting systems and have car parks
controlled by automated boom gates. Feedback is the basis of
automated control. It is provided using sensing devices and
actuators.

Sensing devices
Sensors are input devices that measure data from the environment.
They send data to a processor that issues commands to an actuator.
Sensors are used in a range of situations such as red-light traffic
systems, car navigation systems and security systems.
Red-light traffic systems are used to catch drivers who pass
through a red light. The system has three essential components: a
digital camera, a trigger and a microcontroller. The digital cameras
are positioned at the corner of an intersection. The cameras are
pointed at cars driving through the intersection. A trigger is set
off when a car has moved past a particular point in the intersection.
A microcontroller is located in the camera. It constantly monitors
the traffic signals and the trigger. If a car has set off the trigger and
the traffic light is red then the microcontroller instructs the camera

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Figure 14.9

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to take a picture of the


car. The picture of the car,
together with the location,
date and time, is
transferred to a larger
computer for a fine to be
issued.
Car navigation systems
assist drivers to find their
destinations (see Figure
14.9). The car navigation
system contains a small
screen that displays a map.
The driver enters their
A car navigation system
destination and the best
route is displayed on the
screen. The car navigation system uses the global positioning
system (GPS) to access a satellite and determine the exact location
of the car as it travels along its route. A synthesised voice provides
directions throughout the journey. Car navigation systems use a
sensor device to measure the motor vehicles exact position.
Security systems are used to protect property from intruders.
There are simple security systems to protect homes to more
advanced systems to protect businesses. One method of detecting
intruders is to use a source of focused light such as a laser beam
and a light sensor. The light beam is aimed across a doorway to the
light sensor. When a person walks through the doorway the path of
the light beam is blocked. The light sensor measures a change in the
level of light and sends a signal to the control box. The control box
receives the signal and sounds the alarm. The alarm will not stop
until somebody has entered a security code at a connected keypad.
Infrared motion sensors are used in more advanced security
systems. These sensors measure the infrared energy emitted by an
intruder. The intruder walks into the field of view of the sensor and
the sensor sends a signal to the control box.

Types of actuators
Actuators perform a physical action and are used in a range of
situations such as opening and closing automatic doors. Automatic
doors are opened and closed using motion sensors and an actuator.
The motion sensor is located in a box above the doors. The motion
sensor sends out microwaves and waits for the reflected energy to
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bounce back. If there is nobody in front of the doors the


microwaves will be returned in the same pattern. However, when a
person approaches the door the returned microwaves have a
different pattern. The motion sensor then sends a signal to the
actuator to open the doors. The actuator used is often a pneumatic
pump. A pneumatic pump works in a similar way to a hydraulic
pump. A pneumatic pump uses compressed air to power the pump.
Compressed air is air under a pressure greater than that of the
atmosphere. Pneumatic pumps are used for heavy loads as they
provide great strength.

Controlling devices
A microprocessor is a CPU
contained on one integrated
circuit. Microprocessors are
used in many automated
systems such as televisions,
refrigerators, microwave
ovens and washing machines
(see Figure 14.10). These
devices are controlled by a
program stored in the
microprocessor on one
integrated circuit. The
microprocessor decides how
the device should respond to Figure 14.10 Microprocessor used in a refrigerator
the data collected from a
sensing device. Microprocessors are used for control since they are
small, cheap and reliable. Automated systems may have more than
one controller.
A controller receives information from an input device such as a
sensor and changes the output if required. The output is the signal
sent to an actuator. A controller does not have to be complicated.
A variable resistor attached to a light dimmer switch is an example
of a controller. When the strength of the resistor is adjusted, the
size of the current flowing through to the light is altered. The
controlling device may also be a microcontroller. A microcontroller
is an integrated circuit with a CPU, RAM, ROM, timers and
input/output ports. It has all the components of a computer except
it is a dedicated device.

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Exercise 14.4
1

Copy and complete the following by replacing the letter in brackets


with a suitable term:
(a) devices send data to a processor that issues commands to an (b).
Sensors are used in a range of situations such as (c) systems, car
navigation systems and (d) systems.
Copy and complete the following sentences:
a _______ is provided using sensing devices and actuators.
b Red-light traffic systems contain a _______, trigger and
microcontroller.
c Car navigation systems use a _______ voice to provide directions
throughout a journey.
d A _______ is a CPU contained on one integrated circuit.
True or false?
a Automated systems use automated control to perform a task.
b Some security systems use a light beam and a light sensor.
c Automatic doors are opened and closed using pressure sensors
and an actuator.
d A controller is always a complicated device.
a What task does the microcontroller perform in a red-light
traffic system?
b What is the purpose of the global positioning system in a car
navigation system?
c How do infrared motion sensors work?
d Describe the use of motion sensors in automatic doors.
e How does a pneumatic pump work?
f Where are microprocessors used?

Development
5

ICT 14.2

328

Automated systems are an accepted part of our everyday life.


Identify the automated systems that you have used in the past
week. Do research into one of these systems. How does this
automated system work? Your answer should refer to sensing
devices, actuators and controlling devices.
6
Investigate an automated system in your
local community. Analyse the
system in terms of sensing
devices, actuators and
controlling devices.
Do you think this
automated system is
effective? Write a
report that
summarises your
investigation.

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Page 329

Part A: Multiple choice questions


Select the alternative (a), (b), (c) or (d) that best answers each question.
1 Which of the following is an
automated machine that works on an
assembly line?
a Industrial robot
b Assembly robot
c Domestic robot
d Android
2 Which of the following is not a use
for a robot?
a Maintenance and repair
b Assembly line
c Mental calculation
d Exploration

7 Which of the following statements


is incorrect?
a Automation is the application of
machines to tasks once performed
by people
b Automated control devices
manage themselves once given
suitable instructions
c Feedback principle used in
automated control is a recent
development
d Development of automation has
become dependent on the use of
computer technology

3 Which of the following is the person


who wrote the three laws of
robotics?
a Karel Capek
b Isaac Asimov
c Joseph-Marie Jacquard
d Richard Hohn

8 Where did automation start?


a Textile industry in the eighteenth
century
b Electronic computer in 1943
c Steam engine in 1788
d Motor vehicle industry in the
1920s

4 Which of the following is an input


device that measures data from the
environment?
a Actuator
b Microcontroller
c Automated control
d Sensor

9 Which of the following is not an


essential component of red-light
traffic systems?
a Trigger
b Digital camera
c Microcontroller
d Light sensor

5 Which of the following is a sensor


that measures the movement of an
object?
a Pressure sensor
b Motion sensor
c Action sensor
d Touch sensor

10 Which of the following is a device


that receives information from an
input device and changes the output
if required?
a Microprocessor
b Actuator
c Sensing device
d Controller

6 Which of the following is the most


common type of actuator?
a Electric motor
b Stepper motor
c Solenoid
d Hydraulic pump

14 Robotics and automated systems

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Part B: Match the term


For each of the following statements (1 to 10), select from the list of terms (a to j)
the one that most closely fits the statement.
Statements
1 A computer-controlled machine
designed to perform physical tasks.

6 Performs the physical action of the


robot.

2 Automated machines that work on


assembly lines.

7 Integrated circuit with a CPU, RAM,


ROM, timers and input/output ports.

3 Mobile robots that work in homes


and businesses.

8 Devices that manage themselves


once given suitable instructions.

4 Amount of movement in a structure.

9 Application of automated control to


industrial processes.

5 Input device that measures data from


the environment.
Terms
a Actuator
b Automated control
c Automation
d Degrees of freedom
e Domestic robot

10 A CPU contained on one integrated


circuit.
f
g
h
i
j

Industrial robot
Microcontroller
Microprocessor
Robot
Sensor

Part C Extended-response questions


Write at least one paragraph for each of the following:
1 Define robotics and robots. Describe
the contribution made by Isaac
Asimov to the concept of a robot.
2 Robots are used in a range of
situations. Briefly describe three uses
for robots.
3 Explain the purpose of a sensor.
Outline the main features of three
different types of sensors.

4 What is the difference between an


actuator and a microcontroller?
Identify four different types of
actuators.
5 Define automated control. Describe a
device that uses automated control.
6 Automated systems are dependent
on sensing devices. Select one
automated system and
outline the sensing devices
used in this system.
e Tester

Project: Automated system


Create an automated system using Lego or a similar product. The automated
system must be constructed using blocks and perform a range of different tasks.
It needs to contain automated control using sensors and motors. The
automated system is to be controlled using a personal computer and
a range of commands. This is a group project to be developed using
the four stages in project development. Demonstrating the operation
Project 7.1
of the automated system is an important criterion for this project.
Project 7.2
Project 7.3

330

H I Te c h : I n f o r m a t i o n a n d S o f t w a r e Te c h n o l o g y

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