Topic Test 8 - Automated and emerging technologies
Outline 2 disadvantages of using automated systems in artificial intelligence:
- A change in skills set (is it the human or the AI that controls the research?) - AI is dependent on the data which trains it
Example 1: Categorizing email as spam How can machine learning determine emails that should be put into your spam folder?
- A machine learning algorithm collects data about emails, such as email content, headers, senders name/email address etc. - Carries out a 'cleaning' process by removing stop words and punctuation, leaving only relevant data. - Certain words/phrases are frequently used in spam and indicate that the incoming email is likely to be spam. - The machine learning model is built and a 'training data set' is used to train the model and make it learn using past email known to be spam. - Once it is evaluated, the model is fine-tuned and tested live.
Outline 3 advantages of using automated systems in artificial intelligence:
- Ability to access and store vast amounts of facts (very important in research) - Able to learn from huge amounts of available data that would overwhelm humans (or take many months/years to do the same analysis) - Able to see patterns in results that could be missed by humans
Name the two sensors used in gaming devices:
- Accelerometers - Proximity sensors
Outline 6 advantages of using automated systems in self-parking cars:
- Allows the same number of cars to use fewer parking spaces. - Avoids traffic disruption in cities (manually controlled car takes several seconds to fit into a parking space). - Cars can fit into smaller spaces. - Fewer dents and scratches to cars. - Safer system since sensors monitor all objects. - Very consistent results.
Where can robots be used at home?
- Autonomous floor sweepers - Autonomous lawn mower - Ironing robots - Pool cleaning - Automatic window cleaners - Entertainment
Describe the role of robots in a household:
- Autonomous vacuum cleaners - Autonomous grass cutters (mowers) - Personal assistants:
Outline the advantages of using robots in the industry:
- Capable of working in conditions that may be hazardous to humans - Work 24/7 - Less expensive in the long run (fewer salaries to pay) - More productive - More consistent - Better suited to boring, repetitive tasks than humans - Less cost in heating and lighting
Give three example of machine learning:
- Categorizing email as spam - Recognizing user buying history - Detection of fraudulent activity
How do robots play a role in seed-planting drones and fertilizer distribution? (Agriculture)
- Drones can produce an aerial image of a farm sending back a 'bird's eye view' of the crops and land. - They allow seed-planting to be done far more accurately. - They also allow for more efficient fertilizer-spreading to reduce waste and improve coverage. - Drones can also be used in cloud seeding where it can add chemicals to a cloud forcing it to give up its rainwater.
Outline 3 disadvantages of using automated systems lighting systems in a house:
- Expensive to set the system up in the first place - Wireless connections can be less reliable than wired systems - To ensure consistent performance, the automated system will require more maintenance (expensive)
Outline 4 disadvantages of using automated systems in the manufacture of paracetamol:
- 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 (hence the need for a monitoring station). - Any computerized system is subject to cyberattacks - Automated systems always need enhanced maintenance which can be expensive.
Outline 4 disadvantages of using automated systems in a nuclear power station:
- 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 (hence the need for a supervisor). - Any computerized system is subject to cyberattacks - Automated systems always need enhanced maintenance which can be expensive.
Outline the disadvantages of using autonomous vehicles:
- Expensive to set up initially - Driver and passenger reluctance to use the new technology - Fear of hacking into the vehicle's control system - Security and safety issues (software glitches and updates would need to be carefully controlled to avoid potential disasters) - The system must be well maintained at all times (cameras need to be kept clean so that they don't give false results) - Reduction in the need for taxis could lead to unemployment
Outline 3 disadvantages of using automated systems in irrigation systems:
- Expensive to set up initially. - Very high maintenance (require specialist technicians if a fault occurs). - Increased need to maintain the water channels to ensure the system works correctly at all times (a blocked/collapsed channel wouldn't be picked up by the automated system, which could result in some areas being over-watered/starved of water).
Where can robots be found?
- Factories - Home - Drones
Outline the disadvantages of using autonomous trains:
- Fear of hacking into the vehicle's control system - Driver and passenger reluctance to use the new technology - System doesn't work well with very busy services -Ensuring passenger behavior is acceptable particularly during busy times - High capital costs and operational costs initially - No drivers mean there will be a need for CCTV to monitor railway stations
Name 4 autonomous agriculture devices that can work independently of humans: (Agriculture)
- Grass mowers/cutters - Weeding, pruning and harvesting robots - Seeding robots - Fertilizer spraying
What 5 agricultural areas do robots play a role in?
- Harvesting/picking of vegetables and fruit - Weed control - Phenotyping (plant growth and health) - Seed-planting and fertilizer distribution - Autonomous labor-saving devices
What are independent robots?
- Have no direct human control (autonomous) - Can replace the human activity totally (no human interaction is required for the robot to function fully)
Outline advantages of expert systems:
- High level of expertise - High accuracy - Results are consistent - Ability to store vast amounts of ideas and facts - Make traceable logical solutions and diagnostics - Possible for an expert system to have multiple expertise - Fast response times - Provide unbiased reporting and analysis of the facts - Indicate the probability of any suggested solution being correct
What are dependent robots?
- Human interfaces directly with the robot (the human interface may be a computer or a control panel) - Can supplement, rather than replace, human activity.
Outline the advantages of using autonomous airplanes:
- Improvement in passenger comfort - Reduced running costs - Improved safety - Improved aerodynamics at the front of the airplane (no longer be the need to include a cockpit for the pilots)
Outline the advantages of using autonomous trains:
- Improves punctuality of the trains - Reduced running costs (fewer staff) - Improved safety since human error is removed - Minimizes energy consumption (better control of speed and an optimum service requires less energy) - Possibility to increase the frequency of trains - Easier to change train scheduling
What are physical robots classified as?
- Independent - Dependent
Name 7 application areas of automated systems:
- Industrial - Transport - Agriculture - Weather - Gaming - Lighting - Science
Where can robots be used?
- Industry - Transport - Agriculture - Medicine - Domestic (home) - Entertainment
How do you set up an expert system?
- Information needs to be gathered from human experts or from written sources. - Information gathered fills up the knowledge base that needs to be first created. - A rule base needs to be created. - The inference engine needs to be set up; it is a complex system since it is the main processing element making reasoned conclusions from data in the knowledge base. - The user interface needs to be developed to allow the user and the expert system to communicate. - The system needs to be fully tested; this is done by running the system with known outcomes so that results can be compared and any changes to the expert system made.
Outline 5 advantages of using automated systems lighting systems in a house:
- It is possible to control light sources automatically - Reduced energy consumption - Wireless connections can be chosen which are much safer (no trailing wires) - Longer bulb life - Possible to program new light displays for various occasions
Outline 3 disadvantages of using automated systems in chemical process in a laboratory:
- Less flexible than when using human technicians - Security risks if the data is being shared globally - Equipment can be expensive to buy and set up initially
Explain how sensors are used in lighting systems:
- Light sensors (automatically switch lights on or off depending on the ambient lighting) - Motion sensors (automatically turn lights on in a room when somebody enters) - Infrared sensors (used either as a motion detector or as part of the security system)
What is the function of an inference engine in a expert system?
- Main processing element of the expert system. - Acts like a search engine examining the knowledge base for data that matches the queries. - It is responsible for gathering information from the user by asking a questions and applying responses where necessary. - The inference engine is the problem-solving part of the expert system that makes use of inference rules in the rules base. - The inference engine attempts to use information gathered from the user to find an object that matches.
How are robots able to have a degree of movement?
- Make use of wheels, cogs, pistons, gears (etc.) to carry out functions such as turning, twisting, moving backwards/forwards, gripping or lifting. - They are mechanical structures made up of many parts (eg: motors, actuators, circuit boards etc). - Contain many electrical components to allow them to function. - Can make use of end effectors (allow them to carry out specific tasks such as welding, spraying etc).
What is the function of a user interface in a expert system?
- Method by which the expert system interacts with a user. - Interaction can be through dialogue boxes; command prompts or other input methods. - Questions being asked usually only have Yes/No answers and are based on the responses to previous questions.
Outline 6 advantages of using automated systems in chemical process in a laboratory:
- More consistent (repeatable) results - Less dangerous - Faster results (several different experiments can be done simultaneously) - 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
Outline 7 advantages of using automated systems in the manufacture of paracetamol:
- Much faster than a human operator to take any necessary action - Much safer (likely to make timely interventions; keeps humans away from a dangerous environment). - 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 (replaces most of the workforce who would need to monitor the process 24 hours a day). - More efficient use of materials. - Higher productivity. - More consistent results.
Outline 4 advantages of using automated systems in a nuclear power station:
- Much faster than a human operator to take necessary action. - Much safer (likely to make timely interventions; keeps humans away from a dangerous environment) - More likely to run under optimum conditions; any small changes needed can be identified very quickly and action taken. - In the long run, it is less expensive (replaces most of the workforce who would need to monitor the process 24 hours a day).
Describe some examples of AI:
- News generation based on live news feeds - Autonomous cars - Use of chatbots that interact through instant messaging, artificially replicating patterns of human interactions. Uses AI to respond to typed or voice messages. - Smart home devices > AI device interacts with a human by recognizing verbal commands. > It learns from its environment and the data it receives. > The device becomes increasingly sophisticated in its responses, showing the ability to use automated repetitive learning. - Facial expression recognition > Algorithms identify key facial landmarks. > Combination of these landmarks can be used to map emotions.
Name applications that use expert systems:
- Oil and mineral prospecting - Diagnosis of a patient's illness - Fault diagnostics in mechanical and electronic equipment - Tax and financial calculations - Strategy games (chess) - Logistics (efficient routing of parcel deliveries) - Identification of plants, animals and chemical/biological compounds
Outline 5 disadvantages of using automated systems in self-parking cars:
- Over-reliance on automated systems by the driver (loss of skills). - Faulty/dirty sensors or cameras can send false data/images to the on-board computer leading to 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.
What are the two types of robots?
- Physical robots - Software robots
Explain how automated systems are used in manufacture of paracetamol:
- Process 1 is the manufacture of the paracetamol. - Process 2 is the making of the solid tablets. Both processes are monitored by a number of sensors that send their data back to a central computer. The computer consults its database to ensure both processes are operating within correct parameters. Any necessary action is taken by the computer, sending signals to the appropriate actuator to operate pumps, valves, heaters, stirrers or pistons without any human intervention. This system also uses a remote monitoring station manned by an operator. The system is fully automated, but the operator can override the central computer system if necessary.
Outline 6 advantages of using automated systems in irrigation systems:
- Reduced labor costs since the system only needs a supervisor to monitor vast areas. - Better and more efficient control of the irrigation process. - Better control of resources, such as water pumps. - Faster response than a human having to manually check many kilometres of irrigation channels. - Safer (temperatures in the fields could be 40°C and other risks could exist) Different crops may require different irrigation requirements; it is possible to program the controllers so that different growing conditions can be maintained simultaneously.
How do robots play a role in phenotyping? (Agriculture)
- Robots are equipped with sensors that can create a 3D image/model of the plant, thus allowing it to be monitored for health and growth. - Machine learning is used to recognize issues with leaves that the robot can convey back to the farmer. - These robots are much more accurate and faster at predicting problems than when done manually.
How do robots play a role in harvesting and picking? Give an example: (Agriculture)
- Robots are more accurate and much faster at harvesting leading to higher yields and reduces waste. - For example, a vegebot uses cameras to scan, eg, lettuce and decide whether or not it is ready to be harvested. A second camera in vegebot guides an arm to remove the lettuce from its stalk with no damage.
Outline the disadvantages of using robots in the industry:
- Robots can find it difficult to do 'non-standard' tasks - Expensive to buy and set up in the first place - Risk of deskilling when robots take over certain tasks - Factories can now be moved to anywhere in the world where operation costs are lower (leading to unemployment in some countries) - Lead to higher unemployment amongst manual labor tasks
Outline the advantages of using autonomous vehicles:
- Safer since human error is removed - Better for the environment since vehicles will operate more efficiently - Reduced traffic congestion - Increased lane capacity - Reduced travel times, therefore less commuting time - Stress-free parking for motorists
Describe types of software robots:
- Search engine bots or WebCrawler's (roam the internet scanning websites, categorizing them for search purposes) - Chat bots (programs that pop up on websites and enter a form of conversation with the web user)
Outline the disadvantages of using autonomous airplanes:
- Security aspects if no pilots on-board - Software glitches - Hacking into the system - Emergency situations during the flight may be difficult to deal with - Passenger reluctance to use the new technology
Describe some of the main features of a control system on an autonomous airplane:
- Sensors to detect turbulence to ensure smooth flights - An increase in self-testing of all circuits and systems - Sensors that would automatically detect depressurization in the cabin; allowing for quick stabilization of the airplane - Use of GPS for navigation and speed calculations - Use of actuators to control ,eg, throttle, flaps and the rudder.
Outline 4 disadvantages of expert systems:
- Set up and maintenance costs are very high - Tend to give very 'cold' responses that may not be appropriate in certain medical situations - Only as good as the information/facts entered into the system - Users sometimes make the very dangerous assumption that they are infallible.
What roles do robots play in the medical field?
- Surgical procedures, which makes the operation safer and the procedures quicker and less costly. - Monitoring patients to doing minor surgery. - Disinfecting rooms and operating theatres. - Prosthetic limbs are now mini robots - Take blood samples from patients: > Less painful as the robot is better at determining a 'good vein' > Safer to medical staff if the patient has an infectious disease. > Medical staff are freed up to do more skilled work. - Used in target therapy: > These use microscopic mechanical components (microprocessor) to localize a drug or other therapy to target a specific site.
What is a knowledge base?
- The knowledge base is a repository of facts. - It stores all the knowledge about an area of expertise obtained from a number of expert resources.
What is the role of microprocessors after receiving data from sensors?
- The microprocessor will process the data and take the necessary action based on programming. - This will involve some form of output, usually involving signals sent to actuators to control motors, wheels, solenoids, and so on.
In what two ways can a human operator control a robot?
- The robot arm is guided manually; each movement of the arm is stored as an instruction on the computer. - The worker straps sensors to his own arm; each movement is stored as a set of instructions on a computer; the sensors send back information to the object, this information forms part of the instructions stored on the computer.
What is a rule base?
- The rules base is a set of inference rules. - Inference rules are used by the inference engine to draw conclusions (methods closely follow human reasoning). - Follow logical thinking
Where robots are being used in the world of entertainment?
- Theme parks: Robots can interact with visitors to allow them to engage safely with the theme park attractions and make the experience 'more realistic'. - Music festivals: Robotic methods are used to control lighting, visual effects and animation. - Use of robots to control cameras: eg, keeping them steady and auto- focusing when moving around a scene. - Humanoid robots: Perform stunts in movies that are impossible for a human to do; use CGI and image capture techniques to generate special effects. - Robots are capable of producing special effects with a precision beyond human capabilities; actions and special effects can be synchronized to within a millisecond and produce fully coordinated sound effects.
Name the 6 sensors required for an automated weather station:
- Thermometer (temperature) - Anemometer (wind speed) - Hygrometer (humidity) - Barometer (air pressure) - Level sensor (rain fall) - Light sensor (hours of daylight)
How are robots made to be programmable?
- They have a 'brain' known as a controller that determines the action to be taken to perform a certain task (the controller relies on data sent from sensors or cameras) - Controllers are programmable to allow the robots to do certain tasks.
Example 2: Recognizing user buying history How is machine learning used to establish a user's buying characteristics?
- This comes from collaboration filtering, the process of comparing customers who have similar shopping behavior to a new customer who has similar shopping behavior. - This technique is popular when asking your phone to generate a playlist from your music library based on a few criteria's you might select.
How are robots able to sense their surroundings?
- This is done via sensors. - Sensors allow a robot to recognize its immediate environment and gives it the ability to determine things like size, shape, weight, temperature etc. - All sensor data is sent to a microprocessor or compute.
Where can robots be used in drones?
- Used in reconnaissance (ex: taking aerial photographs) - Make parcel deliveries (eg: Amazon)
How do robots play a role in weed control? (Agriculture)
- Weed management robots can distinguish between a weed and crop using AI. - Weed control robots use GPS tracking to stay on course and remove the weeds; a weed removal blade is operated by an actuator under the control of the controller (microprocessor) in the robot. - Very often a drone is used first to do an aerial view of the area, so that a programmed course of action can be produced, which is then sent to the robot's memory.
Where cab robots be used in 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
Give two examples of how automated systems are used in Industrial applications:
1. A nuclear power station 2. Manufacture of paracetamol
What are the three laws of robotics?
1. A robot may not injure a human through action or inaction. 2. A robot must obey orders given by humans, unless it comes into conflict with law 1. 3. A robot must protect itself, unless this conflicts with law 1.
What are the three characteristics of a robot?
1. Ability to sense their surroundings 2. Have a degree of movement 3. Programmable
Give an examples of how automated systems are used in agricultural applications:
1. Brazil irrigation system
Give an example of how automated systems are used in science:
1. Chemical process in a laboratory
Give an example of how automated systems are used in lighting:
1. Lightning systems in a house
Why don't many robots posses artificial intelligence?
1. Many robots don't possess artificial intelligence (AI) since they tend to do repetitive tasks rather than requiring adaptive human characteristics.
Give two examples of how automated systems are used in transport applications:
1. Self-parking cars 2. Adaptive cruise control
Programming a robot to do a series of tasks is generally done in what two ways:
1. The robot is programmed with a sequence of instructions allowing it to carry out the series of tasks. 2. A human operator manually carries out the series of tasks.
Explain how automated systems are used in lighting systems:
> As it becomes dark, the light sensor value will change, and the microprocessor will send signals to the interface to control the array of LED lights. Data from the infrared sensor can also be used as a security device whenever the house is unoccupied. > Also, as it becomes dark, the lighting show in the fountain could be initiated. This could involve a pre-programmed display involving changing colors under the control of the microprocessor. The fountain display itself will also be under microprocessor control with signals being sent to actuators to turn water pumps on and off according to the installed program. The whole system will be fully automated.
Explain how automated systems are used in a nuclear power station:
> At the center of the system is a distributed control system. > Data from a number of sensors is sent to a DCS - if the data is analogue, it must first be converted using an ADC. The DCS will have access to a large database containing operational data and parameters. If any action needs to be taken, then signals will be sent to the appropriate actuators to operate pumps, valves or even an emergency shutdown system. > A human operator (the supervisor) will sit in a remote-control room where a schematic of the process will show on a large screen. While the process is fully automatic, the supervisor can still override the DCS and shut down the process.
How do robotic personal assistants work?
> Controlled by a micro-processor that also uses cloud connectivity to connect to the internet. > It understands voice commands. > It makes use of an HD camera, utilizing computer vision, allowing it to recognize faces as well as navigate around a room.
What are the two ways in which robots can be controlled?
> Embedded (built-in) microprocessors > Directly linked to a computer
Briefly describe two types of AI systems:
> Expert system - A computer system that mimics the decision-making ability of a human; use AI to simulate the judgement and behavior of a human or organization that has expert knowledge and experience. > Machine learning - The science of training computers with sample data so that they can go on to make predictions about new unseen data, without the need to specifically program them for the new data.
What are the three characteristics of AI?
> Narrow AI - Occurs when a machine has superior performance to a human when doing a specific task. > General AI - Occurs when a machine is similar in its performance to a human doing a specific task. > Strong AI - Occurs when a machine has superior performance to a human in many task.
How do autonomous vacuum cleaners work?
> These use proximity sensors and cameras to avoid bumping into obstacles and allows them to cover a whole room automatically. > They also have a microprocessor to control the overall operation of the device; this also allows the user to program the device.
How do autonomous grass cutters (mowers) work?
> Use the same type of sensor, camera, microprocessor and actuator set up as vacuum cleaners.
What is a distributed control system (DCS)?
A powerful computer that is programmed to monitor and control the whole process with no human interaction required (fully automated).
What is inductive reasoning?
Ability to draw reasoned conclusions based on given data/ situations.
Describe how autonomous airplanes work:
Airplanes have used auto-pilots to control flights, human pilots only take over during take-off and landing. Autonomous airplanes would make even more extensive use of sensors, actuators and microprocessors to control all stages of the flight.
How are autonomous agriculture devices able to work independently of humans:
All of these devices use sensors and cameras to go around obstacles, or they can even be programmed to 'go to sleep' if the weather turns bad.
Why are embedded accelerometers and proximity sensors used in games?
Allow increased human interaction with the game. This allows players to take actions that simulate real events happening, giving a more immersive games experience.
What is an automated system?
An automated system is a combination of software and hardware (eg, sensors, microprocessors and actuators) that is designed and programmed to work automatically without the need of any human intervention. Automation gives increased safety both in the process itself and to the workforce.
How are robots used in autonomous cars and busses? (Transport)
Autonomous cars use sensors, cameras, actuators and microprocessors (+ complex algorithms) to carry out their actions safely. Sensors and cameras allow the control systems in cars to perform critical functions by sensing the dynamic conditions on a road. They act as the 'eyes' and 'ears' of the car.
What do autonomous trains make use of?
Autonomous trains make considerable use of sensors, cameras, actuators and on-board computers/microprocessors. Actuators pay a huge role in controlling the train's speed, braking and the opening and closing of the train doors.
What is artificial intelligence?
Branch of computer science dealing with the simulation of intelligent human behavior by a computer. Cognitive functions of the human brain can be replicated in a machine, and can be measured against human benchmarks.
How are AI system capable of learning and adapting to their surroundings?
By carrying out a sequence of steps, the AI machine can learn, and next time it will know how to do the task more effectively and even apply it to a new situation. AI can very quickly discern patterns and then make predictions by adapting to the new data.
What is the difference between the function of cameras and sensors?
Cameras catch visual data from the surroundings, while sensors (radar and ultrasonics) allow the vehicle to build up a 3D image of its surroundings.
Example 3: Detection of fraudulent activity How is machine learning able to detect fraudulent activity?
Data collection > Data cleaning > Exploration and analysis > Building a model > Model evaluation - Data is gathered by a survey or web scraping. - Redundant data is removed; this needs to be carefully done to remove the possibility of wrong predictions. - The most important step: the algorithm is trained through real examples of customer purchasing behavior. - A model is built based on learning from the training data, and the machine learning algorithm can now be used to detect fraud. - The machine learning model is then fully tested with known data and known outcomes; the system is modified if it hasn't met its criteria.
Explain how automated systems are used in (brazil) irrigation systems:
Data from an automatic weather station is received by the controller every ten minutes. This is important if very wet or very dry conditions are being predicted/detected. Ultrasonic water level sensors are used in the crop fields that measure the amount of water in the irrigation channels. The sensors send their data back via wireless transmitters. This data is then picked up by the wireless receiver, which sends the data back to the controller. The controller then uses this data, together with the data from the weather station, to decide whether it is necessary to stop or start a series of water pumps. This is done by sending signals to actuators, which operate the pumps. Although the whole system is fully automatic, a supervisor still monitors the process remotely. Using a schematic of a number of processes, the supervisor can oversee several irrigation processes from one central point. The supervisor can override the controller if necessary.
Explain how automated systems are used in chemical process in a laboratory:
In a laboratory two chemicals are reacted together in a vessel. One of the chemicals is being added from a burette (the tap is operated automatically using a small actuator) to a reaction vessel. Once the reaction is complete, it turns a bright orange color. The whole process is under microprocessor control:
Describe an example use of an expert system:
Input screen: - An interactive screen presented to the user. - Asks a series of questions based on the user's responses to previous questions. - The user answers the questions asked. Output screen: - The diagnosis can be in the form of text or images to indicate where the problem may be. - The user can request further information from the expert system to narrow down even further the possible illness and its treatment. Expert system: - The inference engine compares the data entered with those in the knowledge base looking for matches. - The rules base is used in the matching process. - Once a match is found, the system suggests probability of the accuracy of its conclusions. - The expert system also suggests possible solutions or recommendations on what to do next. - The explanation system will give reasons for its diagnosis so that the user can determine the validity of the diagnosis.
Autonomous trains make use of a system called LiDaR (Light Detection and Ranging), describe the use of this system:
LiDaR uses lasers which build up a 3D image of the surroundings. Other sensors and cameras are all used for various purposes to help control the train and maintain safety.
Describe the use of accelerometers in gaming devices:
Measure acceleration and deceleration and therefore measure and respond to tilting the gaming device forward/backward and side to side.
How do microprocessors allow autonomous cars and buses to perform physical tasks:
Microprocessors process the data received from cameras and sensors and send signals to actuators to perform physical actions, such as: - Change gear - Apply the brakes - Turn the steering wheel
Briefly explain how automated systems are used in transport applications:
Modern trains will use an automatic signal control system. If the driver of the train goes through a red light, then the computer will automatically stop the train. Making use of sensors sending signals to the on-board computer; actuators used to apply the brakes. Airplanes use automatic pilots, which control the wing flaps, throttle and rudder to maintain the correct height, speed and direction.
What happens once instructions are saved on a robot?
Once the instructions have been saved, each series of tasks can then be carried out by a robot arm automatically. Each instruction will be carried out identically every time, giving a consistent product.
Give examples on how robots are used in the industry:
Paint spraying car bodies, welding bodywork on cars, manufacturing of microchips, manufacturing electrical goods and automatic warehouses.
What is robotics?
Robotics is a branch of (computer) science that brings together the design, construction and operation of robots.
Why are robots equipped with sensors?
Robots are equipped with sensors so they can gather important information about their surroundings and also preventing them from doing 'stupid things'.
What robot should you use if there is a specialist task?
Robots are very good at repetitive tasks. However, if there are specialist tasks that require 'thinking' to cope with variable circumstances, then it is often better to still use human operators.
How can robots help to improve agriculture?
Robots could replace slow, repetitive and dull tasks allowing farmers to concentrate on improving production yields.
What are sensors?
Sensors are input devices that take readings from their surroundings and send this data to a microprocessor or computer.
How do the sensors in the bumpers of cars work?
Sensors in the bumpers of the car are both transmitters and receivers. The sensors transmit signals that bounce off objects and are reflected back. The car's on-board computer uses the amount of time it takes for the signal to return to the sensor to calculate the position of any objects. The sensors give the computer a 3D image of its surroundings. Allowing cars to fit into its parking space automatically with no driver intervention
What do most automated systems depend on?
Sensors, a computer, actuators and software.
Explain one key factor of machine learning:
The ability to manage and analyze considerable volumes of complex data; that would take humans years to complete.
What does the control systems in autonomous trains make use of?
The control system makes use of global positioning satellite (GPS) technology, which allows accurate changes in speed and direction to be calculated
Where is the data collected from the sensors of automated weather stations sent to?
The data from sensors is all sent to a microprocessor; any calculations are then done. The data from the sensors and the calculated values are then stored on a central database. Some automated weather stations are sited near airports, where reports are sent out automatically every five minutes to pilots in the vicinity of the airport.
Explain how automated systems are used in self-parking cars:
The driver goes along the row of parked cars. On-board sensors and cameras measure the size of any parking spaces, the on-board computer warns the driver if a suitable space has been found. The driver selects auto-parking and the on-board computer takes over. Actuators are used to operate the steering rack, brakes and throttle under the full control of the computer. This allows the car to automatically park with no driver intervention.
Explain how expert systems work:
The expert system would ask a series of questions, and the answers would lead to a conclusion. The expert system will supply a conclusion and any suggested actions to take and it will also give the percentage probability of the accuracy of its conclusions.
Explain how a microprocessor controls chemical processes in a laboratory:
The level sensors measure how much liquid is being added this data is sent to a microprocessor. Readings are also sent to the microprocessor from a colorimeter. The microprocessor controls the opening and closing of the tap; this is done by sending signals to an actuator that operates the tap. This means the microprocessor has automatic control of the experiment with no human interaction needed.
At what part do weather stations use actuators?
The only part of the weather station that needs to use actuators is the 'tipping bucket rain gauge'. At a pre-determined time interval, a signal is sent from the microprocessor to an actuator to operate a piston, which tips a bucket that was collecting rain water. The water is tipped into a vessel where level sensors are then used to measure the amount of rainfall that fell during the required time interval.
What is meant by plant phenotyping? (Agriculture)
The process of observing physical characteristics of a plant in order to assess its health and growth.
Explain how automated systems are used in weather stations:
They are designed to save labor and to gather information from remote regions or where constant weather data is a requirement. Automated weather stations require a microprocessor, storage (database), battery (usually solar-powered charging) and a range of sensors.
How does this type of automated system benefit pharmaceutical companies? (Chemical process in a laboratory)
This type of automated system is of great benefit to pharmaceutical companies when developing new drugs and vaccines as several experiments can be carried out at the same time with only one person needed to monitor the system.
Why do gaming devices use sensors?
To give a degree of realism to games.
What are UAVs?
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are drones that are either remotely controlled or totally autonomous using embedded systems.
Describe the use of proximity sensors in gaming devices:
Used in smart touch pads; here electrodes are embedded in touch pads that can detect hand/finger position thus increasing user awareness.
Explain how search engines use machine learning: (example)
User keys in their search criteria into the search engine; the search engine uses search bots to locate websites matching the user's search criteria. - Success: User selects one of the websites found on page 1 of the search engines hits. - Failure: User has to go to pages 2,3 or 4 to find the information they are looking for.
What is machine learning?
When algorithms are 'trained' and learn from their past experiences and examples in order to make predictions/ decisions. They can offer fast and accurate outcomes due to very powerful processing capability.
What is deductive reasoning?
Where a number of correct facts are built up to form a set of rules which can then be applied to other problems..
Differentiate between artificial intelligence and machine learning:
o Artificial intelligence - Represents simulated intelligence in machines. - Aim is to build machines that are capable of thinking like humans. o Machine learning - Practice of getting machines to make decisions without being programmed to do so. - Aim is to make machines that learn through data acquisition, so that they can solve new problems.
