3.1.1 New and emerging technologies

Question 1

How are automated machines used?

Answer 1

• Automated machines are programmed to carry out a procedure multiple times
• eg. repeatedly creating the shape of a car door using a press
• to improve production time.

Question 2

State an advantage and disadvantage of automated machines

Answer 2

• Less waste is produced and running costs are lower.
• The cost of setting up machinery is high.

Question 3

What is the difference between robotics and automation?

Answer 3

Robots use artificial intelligence to collect information and improve the performance of a particular procedure.

Question 4

State 2 advantages and disadvantage of using robotics

Answer 4

• Increases efficiency
• Robots can handle harmful materials that humans can’t.
• Very expensive

Question 5

Define Crowdfunding

Answer 5

• Crowdfunding uses websites to advertise products as investment opportunities
• where people can choose to back a project with a financial donation if they think it will be successful.
• Backers are often rewarded with free gifts, discounts or a pre-agreed part of any profits if the product is successful.

Question 6

Define Virtual Marketing

Answer 6

• Algorithms can generate information about users’ buying habits and suggest relevant retail sites for them to try using Search Engine Optimisation
• Social media provides advertising platforms

Question 7

State an advantage of Virtual Marketing and Retailing

Answer 7

Costs of retailing from a website are far lower than from a physical shop.

Question 8

Define a Cooperative, give an example.

Answer 8

• Organisations with lots of people working together towards common goals.
• Run and owned by members who share decision-making, profits and risk.
• E.G. Nationwide building society

Question 9

Define Fairtrade

Answer 9

• Fair trade is a trading partnership that ensures workers in developing countries are given suitable working conditions and are paid a fair wage.

Question 10

Define Finite resources, give 3 examples

Answer 10

• Non-renewable, will eventually run out.
• E.g. Metals, plastics and fossil fuels

Question 11

Describe an advantage and 2 disadvantages of Finite resources

Answer 11

• Easily accessible due to strong supply chains
• Will eventually run out
• Large ecological footprint

Question 12

Define Non-finite resources, give 3 examples

Answer 12

• Non-finite resources are found naturally and can be replaced.
• E.g. wood, cotton and renewable energy sources (such as solar and wind.)

Question 13

Define Waste disposal

Answer 13

How materials and resources are disposed of. (E.g. recycling, landfill sites)

Question 14

State 3 negative effects of burning fossil fuels

Answer 14

• Air pollution
• Water pollution
• Climate change
  Caused by products released when fossil fuels are burnt.

Question 15

Define Continuous improvement (3)

Answer 15

• The practice of continually making small adjustments to production techniques to improve speed, quality and to save resources.
• Encourages people to work together and give regular feedback to make small improvements.
• This can increase productivity and create team harmony.

Question 16

Define efficient working and suggest 2 ways efficiency can be improved

Answer 16

• Ensuring that companies work in an efficient manner.
• This includes increasing the speed of production, reducing errors and reducing waste,
• which can be done by utilizing Automation or CAM.

Question 17

How is Pollution caused?

Answer 17

Pollution is caused when harmful substances are released into the natural environment.

Question 18

How are manufacturing processes contributing to Global Warming? (2)

Answer 18

• Manufacturing processes in factories or the use of day-to-day products like cars can cause harmful chemicals, such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides, to be released.
• These chemicals pollute the air and natural land.

Question 19

What is being done to stop Global Warming? (1)

Answer 19

• The development of more efficient electrical products, such as low-energy light bulbs, and better building insulation has cut down on energy costs.

Question 20

Define Technology Push (2)

Answer 20

• Research and development in science and industry can lead to new discoveries, which can be used to improve existing products or develop new ones.
• Happens before there is consumer demand for a product.

Question 21

Define Market Pull

Answer 21

Market pull is when product ideas are produced in response to market forces or customer needs.

Question 22

Describe the change in job roles as a result of changing technology (2)

Answer 22

• The rapid changes in technology and automation in recent years have meant a decline in the need for traditional skills.
• Rather than facing unemployment, workers have had to be retrained or ‘up-skilled’ to manage the new technologies.

Question 23

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/zn4bcj6/revision/6

Answer 23

https://filestore.aqa.org.uk/resources/design-and-technology/specifications/AQA-8552-SP-2017.PDF