Chapter 6 - Automated And Emerging Technologies Flashcards
Automated systems
Combination of hardware and software designed and programmed to work automatically without any human intervention
automated system in nuclear power stations explanation
Data from sensors are sent through the ADC if analogue, and then to the DCS which has access to a large database containing parameters and operational data. If action needs to be taken signals are sent to the appropriate actuators. Supervisor watches and can override DCS is necessary
Where can automated systems be applied (7)
Transport
Industrial
Weather
Gaming
Agriculture
Science
Lighting
Automated system in nuclear power station advantages (4)
-Much faster than humans to take action
-Much safer (timely interventions and keeps humans away from danger)
-Process more likely to be run under optimum conditions (problems can be quickly identified and solved)&
-Less expensive in the long run (labour costs of people monitoring the process all day
Automated systems in nuclear power stations disadvantages (4)
-Expensive to set up and needs testing
-Possible for unexpected conditions to occur which could have safety implications
-Computerised system, so it’s subject to cyber attacks
-needs advanced maintenance and can be expensive
Industrial applications of automated systems (2)
Nuclear power plants
Manufacture of paracetamol
Automated system in the manufacture of paracetamol explanation
Controls the 2 processes, 1 to make the paracetamol, the other to make solid tablets.
Monitored by sensors that send data back to a central computer which consults its data base to ensure the quantities are within parameters. Necessary action is taken by sending signals to actuates to operate things without human involvement
Uses remote monitoring system
Advantages of automated system in the manufacture of paracetamol (7)
Higher productivity
More consistent results
More efficient use of materials
Less expensive in the long run
Process more likely to run under optimum conditions
Much safer
Much faster
Disadvantages of automated system in the manufacture of paracetamol
Expensive and needs testing
Can have unexpected conditions occur and need a supervisor
Needs enhanced, expensive maintenance
Computerised system, so subject to cyber attacks
Transport applications of automated systems (2)
Self driving cars
Adaptive cruise control
Automated system in self parking cars
As the driver goes along a row of parked cars, the sensors and cameras gauge the size of any parking spaces and the computer warns the driver if a parking is found. Actuators operate the breaks, throttle etc under control of the computer to park. Sensors in the bumpers transmit signals that bounce off objects and receive the signals that are reflected back, the time taken here is used to calculate the position of objects which gives the computer a 3D image of its surroundings
Advantages of automated systems in self driving cars (6)
-Allows same number of cars to use fewer parking spaces
-Avoids traffic disruption in cities (they park faster)
-Cars fit into smaller spaces
-fewer dents and scratches (insurance claims)
-Safer, car will stop moving if sensors pick up an object or child
-Consistent results
Disadvantages of automated systems in self driving cars (5)
-over reliance on system - loss of skills
-Faulty/dirty sensors can send false data leading to malfunction
-Sensors may not pick up low keens
-expensive and doesn’t save the driver money
-Requires additional maintenance
DCS
Distributed control system
Powerful computer system programmed to monitor and control a complex without the need for human interaction
Adaptive cruise control
The use of sensors, actuators and micro processors to ensure that a vehicle keeps a safe distance behind another vehicle
Accelerometer
Sensor that measures acceleration and deceleration and that can detect the orientation of a device
Automated system in adaptive cruise control explanation
Driver sets a cruising speed. Lasers set into the bumpers of the car are used to constantly send out signals. The time taken for the lasers to noice off the vehicle in front and to reflect back to the sensors is used by the on-board computer to calculate the distance between the vehicles. If the distance is too small the computer send signals to the actuators applying the breaks and/or reducing the throttle. If the distance is greater than the safe distance the computer checks to see if the current speed equals the speed set by the driver, and then sends signals to actuators as necessary
Controller
Microprocessor in control of a process
Robotics
Branch of computer science that encompasses the design, construction and operation of robots
Robot
Mechanical device that can carry out tasks normally done by humans
Application of automated system in agriculture (1)
Irrigation systems
Automated system in irrigation systems explanation
Is completely and involves wireless transmission, allowing it to be used in vast, remote areas.
Data from automatic weather station is received by the controller every 10 minutes. Ultrasonic water level sensors measure the amount of water in irrigation channels and send back their data via wireless transmitters. Data is picked up by receiver which sends it to the controller which decides weather it is necessary to start or stop a series of water pumps by sending signals to the actuators.
Monitoring in an irrigation system
Completely remote using a schematic number of processes on a computer screen and via internet links and to the controllers. Allows several processes to be seen and overridden if necessary from a central point
Advantages of automated systems in agriculture (6)
- Reduced labour costs
- Better and more efficient control of irrigation process
- Better control of resources (water)
-faster
-safer
-Different crops have different requirements, controllers can be programmed so that different growing conditions can be simultaneously maintained
Disadvantages of automated systems in irrigation systems (3)
- Expensive to set up
- Very high maintenance costs
- Need to maintain the water channels to avoid in improper irrigation (system won’t pick them up and may flood or deprive an area)
Anemometer
Measures wind speed
Hygrometer
Measures humidity
Barometer
Measures air pressure
Level sensor
To measure rain fall
What automated weather stations require (4)
Battery (solar charging)
Microprocessor
Storage (database)
Range of sensors
What sensors weather stations need (6)
Thermometer
Anemometer
Hygrometer
Barometer
Level sensor
Light sensor
Automated weather stations
Save labour costs and gather information about remote regions.
Data from all sensors is sent it microprocessor, calculations are done and stored on a central database.
Use of actuators in weather stations
In the tipping bucket rain gauge. At a predetermined time interval, a signal is sent from the microprocessor to the actuators to operate a piston to tip the bucket collecting rainwater into a vessel where level sensors measure the rainfall that fell during that time period.
Sensors used in gaming
-Accelerometers (measure acceleration and deceleration and respond to tilting the game device)
-proximity sensors (touch pads) - electrodes are embedded in touch pads which can detect finger/hand position to increase user awareness
Automated systems in gaming
Embedded accelerometers, proximity sensors and microcontrollers allow increased human interaction with the game to provide a more immersive experience
Sensors used in automatic systems in lighting (3)
-Light sensors - automatically switch on/off lights depending on ambient lighting
-motion sensors
-infrared sensors
Examples of automated lighting systems (2)
Garden lights turned on when someone enters or it goes dark
Lighting that comes on in a microprocessor controlled water fountain when it’s dark
Automated lighting systems explanation
Light sensor value changes as it becomes dark and the microprocessor sends signals to the interface to control an array of LED lights around the garden. Lighting show involving preprogrammed display under the control of the microprocessor is initiated in the water fountain, with signals being sent to actuators to turn pumps on and off according to the installed program.
Advantages of automated systems in lighting (5)
-Possible to automatically control light sources
-reduced energy consumption
-wireless connections make it safer
-longer bulb life
-can program different light displays
Disadvantages of automated systems in lighting (3)
-Expensive to set up
-wireless can be less reliable than wired systems
-expensive maintenance
Application of automated systems in science (1)
Chemical processes in a laboratory
Automated system in chemical processes in a laboratory
Level sensors measure how much liquid
Readings sent from colorimeter to microprocessor which controls the open and closing of taps by sending signals to actuators.
Advantages of automated system in chemical processes in a laboratory (6)
- Consistent results
- less dangerous (hazardous chemicals)
-faster (different experiments can happen at once)
-automatic analysis of results
-Fewer highly trained staff needed
-results/experiments can be monitored from anywhere at any time
Disadvantages of automated systems in chemical processes in a laboratory (3)
-Less flexible than human technicians
-security risks if data is being shared globally
-expensive equipment
Advantages of using AI in automated systems (3)
-Ability to access and store vast amounts of facts
-Learn from huge amounts of data faster than humans
-able to better identify patterns in results
Disadvantages of using AI in automated systems (2)
-change in skill set
-AI is dependent on the data which trains it
3 laws of robotics
Robot may not injure a human through action or inaction
A robot must obey orders given by humans unless conflicting with rule 1
Robot must protect itself unless conflicting with law 1
Where can robots be found (3)
Factories
Home
Drones
Examples of robots in factories (6)
Welding
Spray painting
Fitting windscreens
Precision cutting
Bottling and labeling plants
Warehouses (automatic location of items)
Examples of robots in the home (6)
Autonomous floor sweepers
Autonomous lawn mower
Ironing robots
Pool cleaning
Automatic window cleaners
Entertainment
Examples of robots in drones (3)
Unmanned aerial services (UAS) (remotely controlled/use embedded systems)
Used for surveillance
Used for parcel delivery
Characteristics of a robot (3)
Ability to sense their surroundings
Have a degree of movement
Programmable
Robots ability to sense their surroundings
Through sensors which allow the robot to recognise its immediate environment and send data to microprocessor or computer
How robots are able to have a degree of movement (4)
Wheels, pistons
Mechanical structures made up of ,any parts
Contain electrical components
Make use of end effectors
End effectors
Different attachments of a robot that allow them to carry out specific tasks (welding, sweeping etc)
How are robots programmable
They have a controller that is programmable and relies on data sent from sensors or cameras
Why don’t some robots posses AI
They do repetitive tasks rather than requiring adaptive human characteristics
Software robots
Not true robots, search engine bots or web crawlers and chatbots
Physical robots classifications (2)
Independent -no direct human control (autonomous)
Dependant robots - have human interface and can supplement human activity
Areas where robots can be used (6)
Agriculture
Domestic
Industry
Transport
Entertainment
Medicine
How can robots be programmed in industry applications (2)
Robot is programmed with a sequence of instructions which allow it to carry out the series of tasks
A human operator manually carries out the series of tasks to enable the end effectors to operate properly. Either by manually guiding or strapping the end effector on a human arm to let the movement be stored as a set of instructions
Advantages of using robots (7)
-Capable of working in hazardous conditions
-Can work 24/7
-Less expensive in the long run
-More productive than humans
-More consistent results
-better suited to boring repetitive tasks
-Less costs in heating and lighting (robots don’t need good lights or warmth)
Disadvantages of using robots (5)
-Robots find it difficult to do non-standard tasks
-Robots can lead to higher unemployment amongst manual labour tasks
-Risk of deskilling when robots take over certain tasks
-Factories can be moved anywhere- leads to unemployment
-Robots are expensive to buy and set up
Problem with robots in transportation
Human perception
Will take time before people are comfortable in driverless cars or planes without pilots
What physical actions does the microprocessor signal to the actuators to perform in autonomous cars and buses (3)
Change gear
Apply break
Turn steering wheel
Advantages of autonomous vehicles (6)
-Safer as human error is removed
-vehicles more efficiently operated so better for the environment
- reduced congestion (no phantom traffic jam_
-increased lane capacity
-reduced commute times
-stress free parking
Disadvantages of autonomous vehicles (6)
-Expensive to set up
-Fear of control system getting hacked
-Security and safety issues eg. Software glitches
-Maintaining of system (cameras clean etc.)
-driver and passenger reluctance
-Unemployment due to less need for taxis
LiDaR
Light Detection and ranging
The use of lasers to build up a 3D image of surroundings
GPS
Global positioning satellite
Advantages of autonomous trains (6)
-reduced costs (less staff)
-Improves punctuality of trains
-improves safety
-minimises energy consumption
-can increase frequency of trains
-easier to change train scheduling
Disadvantages of autonomous trains (6)
-Fear of control system being hacked
-System doesn’t work well with very busy services
-high capital and operating costs
-can’t ensure passenger behaviour (door jamming etc)
-passenger reluctance
-no drivers = need for CCTV monitoring stations
Main features of a control system on a plane (5)
Sensors to detect turbulence
Increase in self testing of all circuits and symptoms
Sensors that automatically detect depressurisation in the cabin allowing for quick stabilisation
Use of GPS for navigation and speed calculations
Use of actuators to control different things
Advantages of pilotless airplanes (4)
Improvements in passenger comfort
Reduced running costs
Improved safety
Improved aerodynamics (don’t need cockpit anymore)
Advantages of pilotless airplanes (4)
Improved passenger comfort
Improved aerodynamics
Reduced running costs
Improved safety
Disadvantages of pilotless steering (5)
Secturity
Hard to deal with emergency situations
Flight control may be hackable
Passenger reluctance
Software glitches
Where in agriculture could robotics play a role (5)
Harvesting/picking vegetables and fruit
Weed control
Phenotypic
Seed planting/fertiliser distribution
Autonomous labour-saving devices
Robots in harvesting and picking
Vegebot
More accurate and faster
Reduces waste and has higher yields
Uses one camera to scan the crop and another guides an arm to remove the plant from its stalk damage free
Robots in weed control
Uses AI to distinguish between weed and crop
Saves labour costs and improves crop growth
Uses GPS to stay on track and a weed removal blade is operated by an actuator controlled by the controller
Uses a drone to produce a programmed course of action which is stored in the robot’s memory
Drone
Flying robot that can be autonomous or remote controlled used for reconnaissance and delivery
Phenotyping
Process of observing the physical characteristics of a plant to assess its health and growth
Robots in phenotyping
Equipped with sensors (spectral and thermal cameras), use machine learning to see if there are problems with the plant and convey the data to the farmer
More accurate + faster at predicting problems
Robots in seed planting and fertiliser distribution
Drones produce an aerial image for a view of the land
Allow for more accurate seed planting
Allow for more efficient fertiliser spreading (reduces waste while increasing crop coverage)
Drones used in cloud seeding
Drones use a complex camera system to target seeding + allow fertiliser spraying
Autonomous agriculture devices (4)
Grass mowers/cutters
Weeding pruning and harvesting robots
Seeding robots
Fertiliser spraying robots
Benefits of robots taking blood samples
Less painful
Safer to doctors +nurses when dealing with infectious diseases
Frees up doctors and nurses
Robots in medicine abilities (6)
Surgical procedures
Monitoring patients/minor surgeries
Disinfecting rooms
Take blood samples
Target therapy
Prosthetic limbs
Robotic Prosthetic limbs
Bionic skins and neural implants which interface with the human nervous system to give feedback for better control of the limb. Actuators are used to give human-like responses
Robots in Target therapy
Microscopic mechanical components used to localise a drug/therapy to a specific site without causing damage to the surrounding tissue
Eg of domestic robots (3)
Autonomous vacuum cleaners - proximity sensors
Autonomous grass cutters
Personal assistants
Personal assistants
Robot controlled by micro processor that uses cloud activity to connect to the internet
Understands voice commands
Makes use of HD cameras allowing it to recognise someone’s face and use proximity sensors to navigate a room
Robots used in entertainment (5)
Theme parks (entertainment)
Music festivals (more immersive)
Control cameras (keep steady/focused)
Humanoid robots(remote/pre-programmed to perform stunts) - uses CGI
Produce special effects with precision (synchronised to the millisecond)
AI
Artificial intelligence
Collection of rules and data which gives the computer system the ability to reason, learn and adapt to external stimuli
Branch of computer science dealing with the simulation of intelligent human behaviour by a computer
Cognitive
Relating to the mental process of the human brain involved in acquiring and understanding knowledge through thought, experiences and input from the 5 senses
Categories of AI (3)
Narrow AI - machine has superior performance to human in one specific task
General AI - machine is similar in performance to human in a specific task
Strong AI-machine has superior performance to human in many tasks
Examples of AI (5)
News generation based on live news feeds
Smart home devices
Chatbots
Autonomous cars
Facial expression recognition
Types of AI systems + explanation (2)
Expert system - mimics the decision making ability of a human, use AI to stimulate judgment and behaviour of a human/organisation that has expert knowledge + experience
Machine learning - science of training computers with sample data so that they can make predictions with unseen data
Applications that use expert systems (7)
Logistics (routes of parcel deliveries)
Strategy games (chess)
Identification of plants animals etc.
Oil + mineral prospecting
Illness diagnosis
Fault diagnostics in equipment
Tax +financial calculations
Advantages of expert systems (9)
Fast
Consistent results
Can have multiple expertise
Unbiassed reports + analysis
High level of expertise
Indicate probability of solution being correct
Make traceable logical solutions + diagnostics
High accuracy
Able to store vast amounts of data and facts
Disadvantages of expert systems (5)
Users need training
Expensive set up and maintenance
No bedside manners
Only as good as information given them
Users sometimes think they are incapable of being wrong
Parts of expert system (5)
User interface
Explanation system
Inference engine
Rules base
Knowledge base
User interface (3)
Method by which user interacts with the system through dialogue boxes, command prompts etc. Questions being asked are based on previous questions asked and usually have yes/ no answers
Explanation system
Part of expert system which informs the user its reasoning behind its conclusions and recommendations
Inference engine
search engine used in an expert system which examines the knowledge base for information that matches queries
Inference rules
Rules used by inference engine and in expert systems to draw conclusions using IF statements
Knowledge base
Respiratory of facts which is a collection of objects and attributes
Object
An item stored in the knowledge base
Attribute
Something that defines an object stored in a knowledge base
Rules base
Collection of inference rules used to draw conclusions
Machine learning
Sub-set of AI in which algorithms are trained to learn from past experiences and examples. When a program has the ability to automatically adapt its own processes and/or data.
Web scraping
Method of obtaining data from websites
What does the inference engine do (5)
As it is the main processing element of an expert system it acts as a search engine examining the knowledge base for information/data that matches the queries
Responsible for gathering information by asking a series of questions (that build)
Problem solves using inference rules and attributes
Attempts to use the users given knowledge to find an object with correct attributes
Setting up an expert system (6)
Gather information from human experts/written sources/internet
Create knowledge base and fill it with the information gathered
Create a rules base
Set up inference engine
Develop user interface
Test system with known outcomes and compare the results
Differences between AI and machine learning (4)
Ai:
-represents stimulative intelligence in machines
-aim is to build machines that are capable of thinking like humans
Machine learning:
-practice of machines making decisions without being programmed to do so
-aim to make machines able to learn through data acquisition to be able to solve new problems
Examples of machine learning (3)
Categorising spam
Recognising user buying history
Detection of fraudulent activity
How machine learning categorises emails as spam (5)
Collects data about emails
Carries out a cleaning process to remove stop words
Checks for frequently used spam phrases
Machine learning model is built and is trained with a training data set
Model is tested
How machine learning recognises user buying history
Collaboration filtering
Uses algorithms to recommend new customers things based on similarities between shopping behaviours
How machine learning detects fraudulent activity
Gathers information through web scraping
Data cleaning
Exploration and analysis
Building a model
Model evaluation
