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Automated and Emerging Technologies

This chapter explores automated systems, robotics, and artificial intelligence (AI),
detailing their characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages. It emphasizes keeping
up with the latest developments in these areas.

6.1 Automated Systems

An automated system combines software and hardware (sensors, microprocessors,
actuators) to work automatically, often with human monitoring.

Automated system definition: A combination of software and hardware

(e.g., sensors, microprocessors, and actuators) designed and programmed
to work automatically without human intervention, though often involving
human monitoring.

6.1.1 Sensors, Microprocessors, and Actuators

Sensors: Input devices that read surroundings and send data to a
microprocessor or computer. Analogue data is converted to digital format by an
analogue-digital converter (ADC).
Microprocessor: Processes data and takes action based on programming.
Actuators: Receive signals to control motors, wheels, solenoids, etc., providing
output.

Advice on Understanding Automated Systems

1. Carefully examine each example to understand the interaction between
sensors, actuators, and the microprocessor/computer.
2. For each example, create a table noting:
Which sensors are used?
What is the function of the actuators?
What is the function of the computer?
Additional notes

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6.1.2 Advantages and Disadvantages of Automated

Systems
The following examples show the advantages and disadvantages of using
automated systems across different application areas:

Industrial
Transport
Agriculture
Weather
Gaming
Lighting
Science

Industrial Applications
Increased automation has improved quality and flexibility. For example, automated
systems in car engine manufacturing reduced the error rate of piston installation from
~1.5% to 0.00001%.

Example 1: Nuclear Power Station

Automated systems in nuclear power stations enhance safety for both the process
and the workforce.

System: A distributed control system (DCS)—a powerful computer

programmed to monitor and control the entire process.
Sensors: Temperature sensors, pressure sensors, flow level sensors, gas
(escape) sensors, radiation level sensors
Actuators: Water pumps, valves, gas pumps, automatic shutdown system
Process: Data from sensors is sent to a DCS, converted to digital format if
analogue, and compared against a database. Signals are sent to actuators to
operate pumps, valves, or initiate an emergency shutdown. A supervisor in a
remote control room monitors the process and can override the DCS.

Advantages:

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Faster response than human operators

Increased safety
Optimized conditions
Reduced long-term costs

Disadvantages:

High initial setup and testing costs

Potential for unforeseen conditions
Vulnerability to cyberattacks
Enhanced maintenance needs

Example 2: Manufacture of Paracetamol

This automated system depends on sensors, a computer, actuators, and software.

Processes: Paracetamol manufacture (Process 1) and tablet production

(Process 2).
Monitoring: Sensors monitor both processes and send data to a central
computer, which consults its database to ensure correct parameters. The
computer sends signals to actuators.
Actuators: Operate pumps, valves, heaters, stirrers, or pistons.
Oversight: A remote monitoring station is manned by an operator who can
override the system.

Advantages:

Faster response times

Increased safety
Optimized conditions
Reduced long-term costs
Efficient material use
Higher productivity
Consistent results

Disadvantages:

High initial setup and testing costs

Potential for unforeseen conditions
Enhanced maintenance costs
Vulnerability to cyberattacks

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Transport
Automated systems in transport include autonomous vehicles and automatic signal
control systems in trains. Airplanes extensively use automatic pilots, which control
the wing flaps, throttle, and rudder to maintain the correct height, speed, and
direction.

Example 3: Self-Parking Cars

On-board sensors and cameras gauge the size of parking spaces. Actuators control
steering, brakes, and throttle. Sensors in the bumpers transmit signals that bounce
off objects, providing a 3D image of the surroundings.

Advantages:

Efficient use of parking spaces

Reduced traffic disruption
Fewer vehicle dents and scratches
Enhanced safety with object monitoring
Consistent results

Disadvantages:

Over-reliance on automation
Potential for sensor malfunction
Kerbing issues
Higher costs
Additional maintenance

Example 4: Adaptive Cruise Control

Uses sensors, an on-board computer, and actuators to maintain a safe distance from
other vehicles.

Process: Lasers send signals that bounce off the vehicle in front. The computer
calculates the distance and adjusts the car's speed by applying brakes or
adjusting the throttle.

Advantages:

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Maintains safe distance

Reduces driver fatigue

Disadvantages:

Malfunctions can cause accidents

Agriculture

Example 5: Automated Irrigation System in Brazil

Fully automatic watering of crops involving wireless transmission, ideal for remote
areas.

Data Collection: An automatic weather station sends data to a controller every

ten minutes. Ultrasonic water level sensors in the crop fields measure water
levels.
Control: The controller uses data from the weather station and sensors to start
or stop water pumps via actuators.
Supervision: A supervisor monitors the process remotely and can override the
controller.

Advantages:

Reduced labor costs

Efficient irrigation control
Better resource control
Faster response times
Enhanced safety
Adaptability for different crops

Disadvantages:

High initial setup costs

High maintenance costs
Increased need to maintain water channels

Weather (Stations)
Automated weather stations save labor and gather data from remote regions.

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Components: Microprocessor, storage (database), battery (solar-powered

charging), and sensors.
Sensors: Thermometer, anemometer, hygrometer, barometer, level sensor, light
sensor.

Process: Data from sensors is sent to a microprocessor, which performs calculations

and stores the data in a central database.

Gaming
Gaming devices use sensors to enhance realism.

Accelerometers: Measure and respond to tilting motions.

Proximity sensors: Detect hand/finger position on touchpads.

Embedded accelerometers and proximity sensors increase human interaction with

games, giving a more immersive experience.

Lighting

Example 6: Lighting System in a House

Function: Automatically turns on garden lights when someone enters or it gets

dark, and controls a lighting show in a water fountain.
Components: Light sensors, infrared sensors, microprocessor, LED lights, water
pumps.
Process: The light sensor and infrared sensor sends data to the microprocessor,
which then controls the LED lights around the garden. The microprocessor also
turns water pumps on and off to control the fountain display.

Advantages:

Automatic light control

Reduced energy consumption
Safer wireless connections
Longer bulb life
Programmable light displays

Disadvantages:

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High initial setup costs

Potentially unreliable wireless connections
Increased maintenance

Science

Example 7: Chemical Process in a Laboratory

Function: Automates a chemical reaction with accuracy and repeatability.

Components: Burette, reaction vessel, level sensors, colorimeter,
microprocessor, actuator.
Process: Level sensors measure liquid added from the burette, and a
colorimeter checks the color of the chemical produced. The microprocessor##
Automated Systems

Advantages of Automated Systems

More consistent (repeatable) results
Less dangerous, especially if hazardous chemicals are used
Faster results, as multiple experiments can occur simultaneously
Automatic analysis of results is possible
Fewer highly trained staff needed per experiment
Results/experiments can be monitored globally in real time

Disadvantages of Automated Systems

Less flexible than human technicians
Security risks are always present when data is shared globally
Equipment can be expensive to buy and set up initially

Use of AI in Automated Systems

Ability to access and store vast amounts of facts, which is very important in
research
Able to learn from huge amounts of data that would overwhelm humans
Able to see patterns in results that humans might miss

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Disadvantages of AI in Automated Systems

Change in required skills (is it the human or the AI that controls the research?)
AI is dependent on the data used to train it

Robotics

What is Robotics?
Robotics is a branch of computer science that combines the design,
construction, and operation of robots.

The word "robot" comes from the Czech word "robota," meaning forced labor.
First used in the 1920s play "Rossum's Universal Robots."
Isaac Asimov's 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 conflicts with Law 1.
A robot must protect itself unless this conflicts with Law 1.

Applications of Robots

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Factories:
Welding
Spray-painting
Fitting windscreens
Cutting metal parts
Bottling and labeling
Warehouses (automatic location of items)
Home:
Autonomous floor sweepers
Autonomous lawn mowers
Ironing robots
Pool cleaning
Automatic window cleaners
Entertainment (friend robots)
Drones:
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)
Reconnaissance (aerial photographs)
Parcel deliveries

Characteristics of a Robot

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1. Ability to sense their surroundings:

Uses sensors (light, pressure, temperature, acoustic, etc.)
Recognizes its immediate environment
Determines size, shape, or weight of an object
Detects if something is hot or cold
All sensor data is sent to a microprocessor or computer.
2. Have a degree of movement:
Uses wheels, cogs, pistons, gears, etc.
Carries out functions such as turning, twisting, moving
backwards/forwards, gripping, or lifting
Mechanical structures made up of many parts (motors, hydraulic pipes,
actuators, and circuit boards)
Contains many electrical components to allow them to function
Can make use of end effectors (different attachments to allow them to
carry out specific tasks such as welding, spraying, cutting or lifting).
3. Programmable:
Has a controller (brain) that determines the action to be taken to perform
a certain task
Controller relies on data sent from sensors or cameras
Controllers are programmable to allow the robots to do certain tasks.

Robotics and AI
Robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) are almost entirely different fields.
Many robots don't possess artificial intelligence (AI) since they tend to do
repetitive tasks rather than requiring adaptive human characteristics.
Do not confuse physical robots with software robots such as:
Search engine bots or WebCrawlers
Chat bots

Types of Physical Robots

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Independent Robots:
Have no direct human control (autonomous)
Replace human activity totally (no human interaction is required for the
robot to function fully).
Dependent Robots:
Have a human who is interfacing directly with the robot
Supplement, rather than totally replace, human activity (human and
robots work together)

Role of Robots: Advantages and Disadvantages

Industry
Used in many areas of industry, from heavy lifting to delicate procedures:
Paint spraying
Welding
Manufacturing microchips
Manufacturing electrical goods
Automatic warehouses
Control of robots is either through embedded microprocessors or directly linked
to a computer system.

Programming of Robots
1. The robot is programmed with a sequence of instructions to carry out the series
of tasks.
2. A human operator manually carries out the series of tasks:
The robot arm is guided manually by a worker; each movement is stored
as an instruction on the computer.
The worker straps sensors to his own arm and sprays the object; each
movement is stored as a set of instructions on a computer.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Robots in Industry

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Advantages Disadvantages

Capable of working in
Can find it difficult to do non-standard tasks
hazardous conditions
Work 24/7 without Can lead to higher unemployment amongst manual labor
stopping tasks
Less expensive in the Risk of deskilling when robots take over certain tasks (for
long run example, welding and paint spraying)
Factories can now be moved to anywhere in the world
More productive than
where operation costs are lower (leading to
humans
unemployment)
More consistent Expensive to buy and set up
Better suited to boring,
repetitive tasks
Less cost in heating and
lighting

Transport

Autonomous Cars and Buses

Use sensors, cameras, actuators, and microprocessors

Sensors (radar and ultrasonics) and cameras allow the systems to sense the
dynamic conditions on a road

Microprocessors process data and send signals to actuators

Cameras catch visual data, while radar and ultrasonics build a 3D image.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Autonomous Vehicles

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Advantages Disadvantages

Safer, since human error is removed Expensive system to set up

Better for the environment since vehicles Fear of hacking into the vehicle's control
will operate more efficiently system
Security and safety issues (software
Reduced traffic congestion
glitches could be catastrophic)
The need to make sure the system is well-
Increased lane capacity
maintained at all times
Driver and passenger reluctance to use
Reduced travel times
the new technology
Reduction in the need for taxis could lead
Stress-free parking
to unemployment

Autonomous Trains

Make use of sensors, cameras, actuators, and on-board

computers/microprocessors
Use LiDaR (Light Detection and Ranging), which uses lasers to build a 3D
image
Use global positioning satellite (GPS) technology

Advantages and Disadvantages of Autonomous Trains

Advantages Disadvantages

Improves punctuality 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
High capital costs and operational costs initially
error is removed
Minimizes energy consumption Ensuring passenger behavior is acceptable
It is possible to increase the
Passenger reluctance to use the new technology
frequency of trains
No drivers mean there will be a need for CCTV to
Easier to change train scheduling
monitor railway stations

Autonomous Airplanes

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Make extensive use of sensors, actuators, and microprocessors

Features of a control system:
Sensors to detect turbulence
Increase in self-testing of all circuits and systems
Sensors that would automatically detect depressurization
Use of GPS for navigation and speed calculations
Use of actuators to control throttle, flaps, and the rudder

Advantages and Disadvantages of Pilotless Airplanes

Advantages Disadvantages

Security aspects if no pilots on-

Improvement in passenger comfort
board
Emergency situations during the
Reduced running costs
flight may be difficult to deal with
Improved safety Hacking into the system
Improved aerodynamics at the front of the
Passenger reluctance to use the
airplane since there would no longer be the need
new technology
for a cockpit

Agriculture ‍
Robots could replace slow, repetitive, and dull tasks.

Applications of Robotics in Agriculture

Harvesting/picking of vegetables and fruit

Weed control
Phenotyping (plant growth and health)
Seed-planting and fertilizer distribution
Autonomous labor-saving devices

Harvesting and Picking

More accurate (only pick ripe fruit, for example) and much faster at harvesting
Leads to higher yields and reduces waste

Weed Control

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Weed management robots can distinguish between a weed and crop using AI
Saves considerably on labor costs and improves vine growth
Weed control robots use GPS tracking to stay on course
A drone (flying robot) is used first to do an aerial view of the vineyard

Phenotyping

Phenotyping is the process of observing physical characteristics of a plant

in order to assess its health and growth.

Equipped with sensors (including Spectral sensors and thermal cameras) that
can create a 3D image/model of the plant
Machine learning is used to recognize any issues with leaves so that the robot
can convey this back to the farmer

Seed-Planting and Fertilizer Distribution

Drones (flying robots) can produce an aerial image of a farm

Allows seed-planting to be done far more accurately
Allows for more efficient fertilizer-spreading to reduce waste and improve
coverage
Drones can also be used in cloud seeding

Autonomous Agriculture Devices

Grass mowers/cutters
Weeding, pruning, and harvesting robots
Seeding robots
Fertilizer spraying
Use sensors and cameras to go around obstacles

Medicine

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Used in surgical procedures

Can be used from monitoring patients to doing actual minor surgery
The disinfecting of rooms and operating theaters can all be done by
autonomous robots
Can take blood samples from patients
Microbots can be used in target therapy
Prosthetic limbs are now mini robots
Bionic skins and neural implants that interface with the human nervous system

Domestic Robots
Used around the house to carry out household chores or to entertain people

Examples of Domestic Robots

Autonomous vacuum cleaners:

Use proximity sensors and cameras to avoid bumping into obstacles
Have a microprocessor to control the overall operation of the device
Actuators are used to control motors which allow movement
forward/backward and from side to side
Autonomous grass cutters (mowers):
Use the same type of sensor, camera, microprocessor and actuator setup
as vacuum cleaners
Personal assistants:
Controlled by a micro-processor that also uses cloud connectivity to
connect to the internet
Understands voice commands (using a microphone) and will answer any
questions it is asked
Makes use of an HD camera, utilizing computer vision

Robots in Entertainment
The use of robots in the entertainment industry is increasing.
Found in areas such as:
Entertainment parks and arenas/venues
The film and TV industry## Robots in Entertainment and Beyond

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Theme Park and Music Festival Applications

Theme parks are using autonomous robots dressed as cartoon characters to
entertain visitors. These robots enhance the realism and interaction within the
park.
Music festivals employ robotic methods to control lighting, visual effects, and
animation, synchronizing visuals with music, thus creating a more immersive
experience.

Robotics in Film
Robots are used to control cameras to ensure steady shots and auto-focus. The
movie Gravity utilized robots extensively for camera operation, prop
management, and simulating actor movements in space.
Humanoid robots, controlled remotely or pre-programmed, perform stunts
impossible for humans, using CGI and image capture for special effects.
Robots can produce special effects with unmatched precision, speed, and
coordination, synchronizing actions and sound effects accurately.

Characteristics of a Robot
To be classified as a robot, a device needs:

Ability to sense its surroundings

Ability to move
Perceived intelligence

Autonomous Cars
Autonomous cars use lane assist sensors, microprocessors, and
software to function. A 3D image of the surroundings is produced using
light detection and ranging (LIDAR). Parking and close driving are
supported by radar and ultrasonics in the bumpers.

How Robots Collect Data

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Robots collect data from their surroundings using sensors. This data is
sent to a microprocessor to build an image of its environment. Robots
perform tasks using different actuators. The brain of the robot is often
called a controller, which contains programs to perform tasks
automatically. Many robots perform repetitive tasks and lack adaptive
intelligence.

Autonomous Robots in Exploration

Undersea Exploration
Sensors and cameras are used to photograph shipwrecks.
The microprocessor and actuators play a role in taking photographs and
samples.

Space Exploration
Sensors, actuators, and a microprocessor are used to take samples from the
planet's surface.
Cameras are used for:
Navigating the robot around the planet safely
Taking photographs
Gathering visual data for analysis

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages Disadvantages

Undersea Can explore deep and dangerous High risk of equipment failure due to
robots environments. water pressure.
Can operate in vacuum and High cost for development and
Space withstand radiation. Can explore deployment. Communication delays
robots new planets without risk to and limited real-time control from
humans. Earth.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

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Introduction to AI
Artificial intelligence (AI) is a branch of computer science focused on
simulating intelligent human behavior in computers. This includes
replicating cognitive functions like reasoning, speech, and sight, measured
against human benchmarks.

Characteristics of AI
AI involves:

Rules
Data
The ability to reason, learn, and adapt.

AI is categorized into:

Narrow AI: Superior performance in one specific task.

General AI: Performance similar to humans in a specific task.
Strong AI: Superior performance in many tasks.

Reasoning is the ability to draw conclusions based on data or situations.

Deductive reasoning builds rules from facts, applying them to new
problems.

Examples of AI applications include:

News generation based on live news feeds

Smart home devices (Amazon Alexa, Google Now, Apple Siri, Microsoft
Cortana)
Chatbots for instant messaging
Autonomous cars
Facial expression recognition

AI Systems

Expert Systems

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An expert system is a computer system mimicking the decision-making

ability of a human expert.

Expert systems use:

AI to simulate judgment and behavior based on expert knowledge and

experience.
Knowledge and inference to solve problems or answer questions.

Applications of expert systems include:

Oil and mineral prospecting

Medical diagnosis
Fault diagnostics
Tax and financial calculations
Strategy games
Logistics
Identification of plants, animals, and chemical/biological compounds

Advantages of Expert Systems

High level of expertise and accuracy
Consistent results
Ability to store vast amounts of data
Traceable logical solutions and diagnostics
Multiple expertise
Fast response times
Unbiased reporting and analysis
Probability assessment of solutions

Disadvantages of Expert Systems

Need for user training
High setup and maintenance costs
Impersonal responses
Dependence on the quality of input data
Risk of users assuming infallibility

Structure of an Expert System

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Component Description

The method by which the expert system interacts with a user.

User Interface Interaction can be through dialogue boxes, command prompts, or
other input.
The main processing element that examines the knowledge base for
Inference
matching information, gathers information from the user, and applies
Engine
responses.
Knowledge A repository of facts containing all the knowledge about an area of
Base expertise.
A set of inference rules used by the inference engine to draw
Rules Base
conclusions.

Setting up an Expert System

1. Gather information from human experts or written sources.
2. Populate the knowledge base.
3. Create a rules base with inference rules.
4. Set up the inference engine.
5. Develop the user interface.
6. Thoroughly test the system with known outcomes.

Machine Learning
Machine learning is a subset of AI where algorithms learn from past
experiences and examples, enabling them to make predictions or
decisions based on previous scenarios.

Machine learning enables systems to:

Offer fast and accurate outcomes

Manage and analyze large volumes of complex data

Examples of machine learning include:

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1. Categorizing Email as Spam: Analyzes email content, headers, and sender

information to identify spam.
2. Recognizing User Buying History: Uses collaboration filtering to compare
customers with similar shopping behaviors and make recommendations.
3. Detection of Fraudulent Activity: Gathers and analyzes customer data to
detect unusual transactions and potential fraud.

Differences Between AI and Machine Learning

Feature AI Machine Learning

Simulated intelligence in Machines make decisions without being

Definition
machines programmed to do so
Build machines capable of Enable machines to learn through data
Aim
thinking like humans acquisition for problem-solving

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