Chapter 6 : Automated and emerging technologies

1. Describe how sensors, microprocessors and actuators can be used in collaboration to create
automated systems
2. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of an automated system used for a given scenario
Including : industry, transport , agriculture , weather , gaming , lighting , science
3. Understand what is meant by robotics
4. Describe the characteristics of a robot
5. Understand the roles that robots can perform and describe the advantages and disadvantages
of their use Including: industry– transport– agriculture– medicine– domestic– entertainment
6. Understand what is meant by artificial intelligence (AI)
7. Describe the main characteristics of AI as the collection of data and the rules for using that data,
the ability to reason, and can include the ability to learn and adapt
8. Explain the basic operation and components of AI systems to simulate intelligent behavior
Limited to: – expert systems
– machine learning
9. Expert systems have a knowledge base, a rule base, an inference engine and an interface
10. Machine learning is when a program has the ability to automatically adapt its own processes
and/or data
 Automated systems

• Automated systems : are a combination of both software and hardware (sensors, microprocessor , and
actuators) that is designed and programmed to change the environment automatically without human
intervention .
• Automated systems use sensors, a microprocessor and actuators
• Sensors detect changes in the environment and convert them into electrical
signals that can be processed by a microprocessor
• Microprocessors analyze the signals from the sensors and make decisions based on
pre-programmed logic
• Actuators receive signals from the microprocessor and perform actions such as
opening a valve or turning on a motor
• Describe how sensors, microprocessors and actuators can be used in collaboration to create automated
systems (Chapter 3).
 Automated systems

advantages:
• They can process data very quickly and much faster than a human could
• Due to these fast speeds they can react very quickly to change in the control system
• Control systems can run through out the year 24/7
• They can work in places where it would be dangerous for a human to
• Outputs are consistent and error free
• A microprocessor can easily handle complex calculations and control strategies

disadvantages:
• It may cost a lot of money to develop the software for a control system as they are specialized
• The system will not be able to run in the case of a power shortage
• The system will not be able to run in the case of a computer malfunction
• Training is required .
 Automated systems-Uses

Industry : Industrial automation systems are systems used to control and monitor a process, machine or device in
a computerized manner that usually fulfills repetitive functions or tasks.
Ex. Nuclear power station , factories,…..
Advantages :
• much faster than a human operator to take any necessary action
• much safer (it also keeps humans away from a potentially dangerous environment)
• Quick response to any changes in the system
• in the long run, it is less expensive
• more efficient use of materials
• higher productivity
• more consistent results, less errors
disadvantages :
• expensive to set up in the first place
• Training is needed.
• automated systems always need enhanced maintenance which can be expensive
• any computerized system is subject to cyberattacks no matter how good the system.
• Limited flexibility to changes in production processes
 Automated systems-Uses -
Transport
Transport : control systems can be implemented for transportation modes such as automobiles and trucks, but also at
terminals such as ports, airports and distribution centers.
Examples : Self parking cars, automatic pilots, adaptive cruise control …….
Using of sensors and actuators:
• modern trains will use an automatic signal control system. If the driver of the train goes through a red
(stop) light, then the computer will automatically stop the train. This will make use of sensors at the side of the
track sending signals to the on-board computer; actuators will be used to apply the brakes.
• Airplanes extensively use automatic pilots, which control the wing flaps, throttle and rudder to maintain the
correct height, speed and direction.
For more examples of using sensors and acuators read page(221-223)
Advantages :
• Increased Safety, since the sensors monitor all objects
• Increased Accuracy
• Ability to Work in Extreme Climate-Controlled Conditions
• Reduced Labor Cost
• Consistence results
Disadvantages :
• May not be suitable for all types of transportation
• Maintenance costs can be high
• High Initial Cost
• Requires additional maintenance
• Lack of Flexibility
• Faulty/ Dirty sensors or cameras can send false data/images
 Automated systems-Uses- Agriculture

Agriculture covers all the practices that help with planting and harvesting with the aid of machines and other devices.
Such as Harvest Automation Tools, Analytical and Monitoring Tools , Automated Tractors, Robotics for Seeding , watering
the crops ……
Advantages :
• Lowered running Costs(reduce labor cost )
• Increased Quality of Production
• Safer
• Remote Monitoring and controlling of the system 24/7
• Better control of the resources such as water.
• more efficient control of the process
• Faster response than humans

Disadvantages :
• High Initial cost
• Farmers must be trained .
• High maintenance cost
 Automated systems-Uses- weather

A Weather automated system : system of components that are used to measure, monitor, and study the weather and
climate.
Automated weather stations require a microprocessor, storage (database), battery (usually with solar-powered
charging) and a range of sensors:
Temperature, wind speed, humidity , air pressure , level sensor (to measure rain fall) , light sensor (to measure
hours of daylight)………….

Advantages :
• Less labor cost
• Saves time
• Ability to issue warnings in a timely manner
• Ability to collect large amounts of data quickly
• Accurate Measurements
• Works in a wide range of climates and environments

Disadvantages
• Initial cost
• Training
• May be affected by external factors like interference or equipment failure
• May not be 100% accurate all the time
 Automated systems-Uses
Gaming :non-player characters (NPCs) similar to human-like intelligence ,in computer simulations of board games, In
modern video games.
sensors :
» accelerometers (these measure acceleration and deceleration and therefore measure and respond to tilting
the gaming device forward/backward and side to side)
» proximity sensors (used in smart touch pads; here electrodes are embedded in touch pads that can detect
hand/finger position thus increasing user awareness).
Advantages :
• Improved speed and efficiency in game development
• Ability to create complex and interactive games
• Reduced labour costs
Disadvantages :
• May not be suitable for all types of games or game development
• May require significant programming expertise
• May be affected by technical glitches or bugs
 Automated systems-Uses
Lighting Microprocessor-controlled lighting was discussed in Section 3.1.5 (Embedded systems).
Gardens, street lights , houses ………….
Sensors:
• light sensors and
• motion sensors (to automatically turn lights on in a room when somebody enters)
• infrared sensors (to be used either as a motion detector or as part of the security system).
advantages :
» it is possible to control light sources automatically
» a reduced energy consumption
» wireless connections can be chosen which are much safer (no trailing wires)
» longer bulb life (due to dimming or switching off when not in use)
» possible to program new light displays for various occasions.

Disadvantages:
» expensive to set the system up in the first place
» if wireless connections chosen (for safety reasons), they can be less reliable than wired systems
» require more maintenance (which can be expensive).
 Automated systems-Uses

Science automated system : is the practice of scientific research without the need for significant human intervention.
Examples : chemical reactions , vaccination , health , laboratories……..
Advantages :
• more consistent (repeatable) results
• less dangerous (especially if the chemicals used are hazardous)
• faster results (several different experiments can be done simultaneously)
• automatic analysis of the results is possible
• fewer highly trained staff needed for each experiment
• Accurate measurements
• results/experiments can be monitored anywhere in the world in real time.
Disadvantages :
• expensive to set the system up in the first place
• Technology has been misused and has been used negatively
• Introduce new diseases such as brain disease, heart diseases , and skin diseases(atomic bombs).
• reduction of jobs
 Automated systems-Uses
Scenario Advantages Disadvantages
•Reduced labour costs •High initial investment
Industry •Improved efficiency and accuracy •Limited flexibility to changes in production processes
•Increased production rate •Maintenance costs can be high
•Improved safety and reliability •High initial investment
Transport •Reduced labour costs •May not be suitable for all types of transportation
•Improved fuel efficiency •Maintenance costs can be high
•Increased efficiency in planting and harvesting crops •High initial investment
Agriculture •Improved crop yield and quality •May not be suitable for all types of crops or terrain
•Reduced labour costs •Maintenance costs can be high
•May be affected by external factors like interference or
Weather •Improved accuracy in weather prediction equipment failure
•Ability to issue warnings in a timely manner •May not be 100% accurate all the time
•Ability to collect large amounts of data quickly •May require continuous monitoring and calibration

•Improved speed and efficiency in game development •May not be suitable for all types of games or game
development
Gaming •Ability to create complex and interactive games
•Reduced labour costs •May require significant programming expertise
•May be affected by technical glitches or bugs
•Improved energy efficiency •High initial investment
Lighting •Ability to program lighting to suit different needs •May not be suitable for all types of lighting needs
•Reduced labour costs •Maintenance costs can be high
•Improved speed and accuracy in data collection and analysis •High initial investment
Science •Ability to carry out complex experiments •May not be suitable for all types of experiments
•Reduced labour costs •May require significant technical expertise
 Robotics
Robotics is a branch of (computer) science that brings together the design, construction and operation of robots.
A robot is a machine that can be programmed to carry out a range of tasks
A robot is :
•a type of automated machine that can execute specific tasks with little or no human intervention and with speed and
precision.
•programmable by a computer—capable of carrying out a complex series of actions automatically
•a mechanical device with a control system that makes it able to carry out tasks automatically.

Three laws of robotics:

» a robot may not injure a human through action or inaction
» a robot must obey orders given by humans, unless it comes into conflict with law 1
» a robot must protect itself, unless this conflicts with law 1.
 Robotics
Physical robots can be classified as independent or dependent:
Independent robots:
• have no direct human control
• can replace the human activity totally
Dependent robots:
• have a human who is interfacing directly with the robot
• can supplement, rather than totally replace, the human activity

Characteristics of robots :
• Robots have a mechanical structure or framework, which gives them a physical body that
can move and interact with the environment. (for example, motors, hydraulic pipes, actuators
and circuit boards)
• Electrical components, such as sensors, microprocessors and actuators, allow robots to
receive information from their surroundings and respond to it
• Robots are programmable, which means they can be designed to follow a set of
instructions or algorithms, allowing them to complete a variety of tasks and respond to
changing situations
 Robotics-Advantages and Disadvantages of
Robots
Advantages Disadvantages

Robots can work 24/7 Robots can find it difficult to do non-standard tasks

Robots can work in hazardous conditions Robots can lead to higher unemployment

Risk of deskilling as robots replace humans in some

They are less expensive in the long run
task

They have high productivity and are more consistent Expensive to install and maintain in the short run

Robots have the risk of getting hacked

 Robotics
The role of robots and their advantages and disadvantages :
» industry
» transport
» agriculture
» medicine
» domestic (home) use
» entertainment.

Read pages (232-239)

How Are Robots Used in industry?
Robotics- industry
Robots in factories are used to:
• lift heavy items into from place to place
• assemble parts together to create things
• join parts together using glue, or by welding (melting metal)
• paint things

Advantages of Robot:
• robots can work in conditions that may be dangerous to humans
• It is reliable to perform repetitive activities .
• They can handle heavy loads
• They are used in industries to do the work continuously 24/7 and also used to explore the space.
• Robots are used to reduce labor.
• Consistency will be maintained
• Robots work with Precision and that's the reason they are used in various industries.
Disadvantages of Robot:
• The main disadvantage of a robot is the loss of jobs of various technicians, laborers, and Engineers.
• It continuously uses a power supply to work.
• The maintenance and repair costs of robots are more.
• High skilled engineers are required to write codes, change codes, and run the program depending upon availability.
• If everything can be done by the robot, the health hazards for humans increases i.e. increase in obesity for sitting
continuously without doing any work and depending only on the machine, etc.
 Robotics-transport
How Are Robots Used in transportation
- Autonomous cars and buses
- autonomous trains
- Autonomous (unpiloted) airplanes

Advantages :
• Safer
• reduced traffic congestion
• reduced running costs (fewer staff are required)
• minimizes energy consumption
• stress-free parking for motorists

Disadvantages :
• very expensive system to set up in the first place
• hacking into the vehicle’s control system
• the need to make sure the system is well-maintained at all times
• Unemployment
• emergency situations during the flight may be difficult to deal with
 Robotics-agriculture
How Are Robots Used in agriculture :
• harvesting/picking of vegetables and fruit
• weed control
• phenotyping (plant growth and health):is the process of observing physical characteristics of a
plant in order to assess its health and growth using sensors that can create a 3D image/model
of the plant, thus allowing it to be monitored for health and growth
• Seed-planting drones and fertiliser distribution
• autonomous labor-saving devices.

Advantages :
• robots are more accurate
• much faster at harvesting
• reduces waste
.

Disadvantages :
• very expensive system to set up in the first place
• the need to make sure the system is well-maintained at all times
• Unemployment
 Robotics-Medicine
Medicine:
• surgical procedures, advantages makes the operation safer and also makes the procedures
quicker and less costly
• monitoring patients to do actual minor surgery
• robots can take blood samples from patients: advantages
– less painful to patients since the robot is better at determining a ‘good vein’
– safer to doctors and nurses if the patient has an infectious disease
– doctors and nurses can be freed up to do more skilled work
• prosthetic limbs are now mini robots sensors and actuators are used to give humanlike
responses, such as grip).
• bionic skins and neural implants that interface with the human nervous system (of the damaged limb)
Domestic robots
Robotics
Robots used around the house vary from devices to carry out household chore through to devices used to
entertain people. For example:
• autonomous vacuum cleaners:
• autonomous grass cutters (mowers)
• personal assistants such as ‘Vector’

Robots used in entertainment

The use of robots in the entertainment :
» entertainment parks.
» the film and TV industry.
Examples
• theme parks are now using autonomous robots to entertain visitors to the park
• music festivals are much more immersive for the audience; robotic methods are used to control lighting
(including laser displays), visual effects and animation
• use of robots to control cameras; for example, keeping them steady and autofocusing when moving around a
scene
• robots are capable of producing special effects with a precision, speed and coordination which is beyond
human capabilities
Advantages :
• Precision and safety
• Space-saving, lightweight design for exceptional flexibility
• Easy programming and short set-up time, with reusable programs for recurrent tasks
 Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence (AI) : refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines that are programmed to think
like humans and mimic their actions.
Examples of using AI :

Examples of AI include:
• News generation based on live news feeds
• Smart Home devices (such as Amazon Alexa, Google Now, Apple Siri and Microsoft Cortana):
– the AI device interacts with a human by recognizing verbal commands
– it learns from its environment and the data it receives
• Google Maps and Ride-Hailing Applications
• Face Detection and recognition
• Text Editors and Autocorrect
• Social media
• Healthcare
• Gaming
• Chatbot such as ChatGPT uses natural language processing to create humanlike
conversational dialogue.
 Artificial Intelligence
The main characteristics of an AI system.
• The ability to learn/adapt // machine learning abilities
• The collection of data and the rules for using that data
• The ability to reason // has problem solving abilities // makes predictions
• Simulates intelligent/human behaviour
• Analyses patterns

Components of AI :
1. Collection of data : data can be from the user or sensors.
2. Set of programmed rules : these are stored in the program to make decisions .
3. The ability to reason : algorithms that imitated step-by-step reasoning that humans use Ex.
solve puzzles .
4. The ability to learn and adapt this include machine learning

•Types of AI -
• Narrow AI - A machine has superior performance to a human when doing one specific
task
• General AI - A machine is similar to a human when doing one specific task
• Strong AI - Machine has superior performance to a human in many tasks
 Artificial Intelligence
AI is using different types of technology/systems to simulate intelligent behavior ,
the main 2 systems are :
Expert System
• AI that is developed to mimic human knowledge and experiences.
• They are usually used for answering questions using knowledge and inference.
Machine Learning
is a subset of AI in which machines are trained to learn from past experiences.

Difference Between AI and Machine Learning

Expert system Machine Learning

Representation of human intelligence in Machines are trained to make decisions
machines without being programmed to
The aim is to build machines that think like The aim is to make machines learn through
humans data acquisitions
Components of an Expert System Artificial Intelligence
Main components :
1. User Interface:
• Allows users to interact and provides data to the system .
• Provides a platform for inputting data and receiving recommendations or solutions
• Designed for ease of use and accessibility
2. Inference Engine:
• A core component of the expert system that performs logical reasoning
• It makes decisions by Applying the rules base to the the knowledge base to provide results /diagnosis.
• Mimics human decision-making processes to generate conclusions
3. Knowledge Base:
• Contains information, facts, and data
• Contains expertise gathered from human experts or other reliable sources
• Essential for the inference engine to make accurate recommendations
4. Rules Base:
• Stores rules and relationships of the system
• For the inference engine to use in applying reasoning to the data
• Use to link the facts in the knowledge base
• Rules can be modified or updated as new information becomes available
May have the : Explanation System:
• Provides transparency in the decision-making process
• Offers detailed explanations of the expert system's reasoning and conclusions
• Enhances user trust and understanding of the system's recommendations
 Artificial Intelligence
How an Expert System is Used to Produce Possible Solutions
• Expert systems use the knowledge base and rules base to analyse input data
• The inference engine applies rules and logic to the input data
• The system generates potential solutions or recommendations based on the applied rules
• The explanation system communicates the reasoning behind the suggested solutions
 Artificial Intelligence
There are many applications that use expert systems:
» diagnosis of a patient’s illness
» fault diagnostics in mechanical and electronic equipment
» tax and financial calculations
» strategy games, such as chess
» identification of plants, animals and chemical/biological compounds.

Expert systems have many advantages:

» they offer a high level of expertise
» they offer high accuracy
» the results are consistent
» they have the ability to store vast amounts of ideas and facts
» they can make traceable logical solutions and diagnostics
» they have very fast response times (much quicker than a human expert)
» they provide unbiased reporting and analysis of the facts
» they indicate the probability of any suggested solution being correct.

Expert systems also have disadvantages:

» users of the expert system need considerable training
» the set up and maintenance costs are very high
» they tend to give very ‘cold’ responses that may not be appropriate in certain medical situations
» they are only as good as the information/facts entered into the system
 Artificial Intelligence
Machine learning capabilities :
• is a subset of AI (artificial intelligence)
• it can adapt/change (it’s own processes/algorithm), without being programmed.
• Machine learning-enabled programs can learn, grow, and change by themselves when exposed to new data.
• Analyses pattens and stores results for future decisions .
Common Applications of Machine Learning
• Search engines
• Image Recognition
• Speech Recognition
• Chatbots
• Predict Traffic Patterns
• E-commerce Product Recommendations
• Self-Driving Cars
• Catching Email Spam
• Social Media (Facebook)
• Language Translation (Google Translate)

Two types :
Supervised : the user tells the system the input and output the meaning of data example in image recognition the user
tells what is the image example this image says it is horse
Unsupervised : the user inputs the data, and the system learns from the data to give the output, example in the image
recognition the user inputs the features and the shape of the image and the system guess the image