A. New and Emerging Technologies Flashcards

1
Q

What is automation?

A

Enables repetitive tasks to be performed by mechanised assembly lines rather than by a human.

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2
Q

What are robots?

A

Can be controlled to automatically perform a series of complex movements. Can be used to substitute humans in environments that are hazardous to humans.

Commonly used in assembly lines

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3
Q

What are robots?

A

Can be controlled to automatically perform a series of complex movements. Can be used to substitute humans in environments that are hazardous to humans.

Commonly used in assembly lines

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4
Q

Advantages of automation

A
  • Increased efficiency and speed of production
  • Accurate and consistent input
  • Reduced labour costs
  • Can work in a variety of environments
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5
Q

Disadvantages of automation

A
  • Replaces workforce leading to job losses
  • No human input/decision making
  • Up-skilled workforce to maintain robots
  • Expensive to set up
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6
Q

What is crowdfunding?

A

The use of small amounts of capital from many individuals to finance a new business venture.

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7
Q

Disadvantages of crowdfunding

A

If the venture doesn’t reach a funding target, any money already collected has to be returned to the investors.

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8
Q

What is a cooperative?

A

An enterprise that is owned and run by its members (workforce or customers)

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9
Q

What does it mean if a product is fair trade?

A

The companies who are selling the product have ensured that the farmers and workers who have made the product have had decent working conditions and there have been fair terms of trade for workers in less economically developed countries

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10
Q

Advantages of using social media to raise awareness for a new company?

A
  • Enables mass-marketing for a low cost
  • Can attract global attention
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11
Q

What is a finite resource?

A

Resources in limited supply that are being used more quickly than they can be replaced

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12
Q

Examples of finite resources

A

Fossil fuels (gas and coal), minerals, some metal ores

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13
Q

What is a non-finite resource?

A

Resources in abundant supply that are unlikely to ever be exhausted

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14
Q

Examples of non-finite resources

A

Solar and wind energy, timbers cotton

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15
Q

What is a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)?

A

A way for companies to assess the environmental impact of a product during the different stages of a product’s life

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16
Q

Steps in a LCA

A
  1. Extraction and processing (energy needed to extract raw materials)
  2. Manufacturing and production
  3. Distribution
  4. Use
  5. End of life
17
Q

What is global warming?

A

The increase of the average global temperature that causes extreme weather events

18
Q

What causes global warming?

A

Manufacturing and the burning of fossil fuels, contributing to an increased level of CO2 and other air pollutants in the atmosphere

19
Q

What is pollution?

A

The introduction of harmful materials into the environment

20
Q

What is continuous improvement?

A

Small but continuous improvements to processes and workflow

21
Q

What is a technology push?

A

Designers utilise new technology to make a product before the market is aware of it, to improve existing ideas or push through designs of new ones.

Makes products smaller, cheaper or more efficient

22
Q

What is a market pull?

A

When the market needs a product, designers make a product that meets that demand. In response to market forces and customer needs

23
Q

Why is inclusive design important?

A

To ensure the environment or design can be used by as many people possible, regardless of gender, disability or age

24
Q

What is a flexible manufacturing system (FMS)?

A

A method of production designed to adapt to changes in the quantity or type of product being manufactured.

25
Q

What is lean manufacturing?

A

Focuses on minimising waste and improving efficiency, which in turn is cost saving and reduces the use of resources.

26
Q

What is Just-in-Time manufacturing?

A

Manufacturers use this method to respond to customer demand. By closely monitoring stock, products can be reordered as needed

27
Q

Advantages of Just-in-Time manufacturing

A
  • Products are made to order
  • Stock doesn’t become old or go out of date
  • More factory space can be utilised for other activities
  • Materials and components are ordered as needed, keeping cash flow in control
28
Q

Disadvantages of Just-in-Time manufacturing

A
  • The supply chain must be reliable and fast; traffic can cause massive issues
  • Sales are affected by any delay in deliveries or product failures
  • Costs are higher as the small-volume orders prevent bulk volume discounts
29
Q

What is Computer Aided Design (CAD)?

A

Enables designers and engineers to produce technical drawings with a computer.

30
Q

Advantages of CAD

A
  • Accurate designs
  • Changes and corrections can be made easily
  • Software can automate some design tasks
  • Designs can be shared and viewed simultaneously
  • 3D models can be produced from the designs (3D printing)
31
Q

Disadvantages of CAD

A
  • Cost of software, hi-spec computer and printer
  • Work may be lost, data corrupted or hacked
  • Takes time to learn complex software
32
Q

What is Computer Aided Manufacture (CAM)?

A

Uses computer software to control machine tools and machinery in the manufacturing process.

33
Q

Advantages of CAM

A
  • Helps streamline production by translating CAD data into instruction for a piece of machinery (e.g. laser cutter or CNC mill)
  • Increases productivity
  • Highly accurate and consistent
  • Results in reduced waste
34
Q

What does the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) regulations require UK businesses to do?

A
  • Minimise waste from their electrical equipment and promote reuse
  • Ensure waste products are recycled correctly and meet material recovery targets
  • Design products by reducing material use and enhancing reusability and recyclability
35
Q

What is planned/built-in obsolescence?

A

When a product is designed to perform a task for a certain period of time. Ensures a product will become out of date or worn out within a certain timeframe

36
Q

Why do manufacturers produce products with built-in obsolescence?

A
  • Old products become out of date with lack of support
  • Means there is a need to replace new models which keeps profit going
37
Q

Why are products becoming more difficult or expensive to repair?

A
  • Use of specialist tools/skills required
  • Outsourcing repairs can be labour intensive
  • Electrical components may be complex or integrated into the product
38
Q

Describe two ways that companies can dispose of their waste without having to send it to landfill

A
  • Waste materials can be reused to make alternative parts, meaning they have to buy fewer new materials
  • Waste can be sold as scrap, allowing the company to recover some of the costs
  • Waste can be burnt to produce heat, meaning they spend less money heating the building/water