New and Emerging Technologies

Question 1

What is automation?

Answer 1

The use of machines to perform tasks automatically

Question 2

What is the difference between robots and automation?

Answer 2

Robots are able to use AI to collect information and improve performance

Question 3

How is smart technology used in manufacturing?

Answer 3

It connects machines and shares data. They can also organise tasks and data without human input

Question 4

How are specialised buildings used in manufacturing?

Answer 4

Modular sections and smart technology help improve flexibility and efficiency. This can also lead to reduced need for room

Question 5

How are materials, tools and equipment tracked?

Answer 5

Items can be tagged and scanned to monitor stock and movement of products

Question 6

What is crowdfunding?

Answer 6

The process of collecting money from a large group of people. Due to technological advances, this can now be done online

Question 7

What is virtual marketing?

Answer 7

Promoting products or services online (e.g. via social media)

Question 8

What is virtual retail?

Answer 8

Selling products and services on the internet

Question 9

What is a cooperative?

Answer 9

An organisation or business that is own and run by its members to work together and reach common goals

Question 10

What is fairtrade?

Answer 10

Groups of workers working together to have stronger negotiating powers to ensure fair conditions or prices

Question 11

What does the sustainability of a product depend on?

Answer 11

The materials and processes used to make it

Question 12

How can companies ensure they dispose of waste sustainably?

Answer 12

Manufacture products using biodegradable or recyclable materials

Question 13

What is continuous improvement?

Answer 13

Improving and making adjustments to products to improve quality and increase efficiency

Question 14

What is market pull?

Answer 14

When designers design products to fit consumer demand

Question 15

What is technology push?

Answer 15

When designers improve existing products to drive the design of new products

Question 16

How can technology harm jobs?

Answer 16

Increased automation decreases amount of manual labour required

Question 17

How can technology create new jobs?

Answer 17

Development of new technology (e.g. computers) means new job opportunities emerge

Question 18

How can fashion and trends change due to technology?

Answer 18

New materials can provide new design possibilities. The internet also allows trends to be seen by global communities

Question 19

How can technology be designed to fit disabled and elderly users?

Answer 19

Mobile phones can have large and easy to read buttons. Apps also exist with voice commands to aid people with physical disabilities

Question 20

How are products designed to respect people’s faiths and beliefs?

Answer 20

Companies ensure religious symbols aren’t included inappropriately or abused to cause offense

Question 21

What groups can be considered when designing products?

Answer 21

disabled people, the elderly and religious groups

Question 22

How can companies increase efficiency?

Answer 22

Increase automation and CAM or increase quality control

Question 23

What is an example of a product designed to help with global warming?

Answer 23

Low energy lightbulbs and better insulation help to decrease energy consumption

Question 24

What legislation was introduced in the UK to tackle pollution?

Answer 24

Cosmetic products can no longer contain microbeads

Question 25

What is CAD and how is it used?

Answer 25

Computer aided design is used to design and model products on a computer

Question 26

What is CAM and how is it used?

Answer 26

Computer aided manufacture is the process of using computers to manufacture products

Question 27

What does CNC mean?

Answer 27

Computer numerically controlled - they follow coordinates to be a design

Question 28

What is a CNC router?

Answer 28

A machine used to cut shapes from a block of material. They can have either 2 or 3 axis

Question 29

What is a laser cutter?

Answer 29

A 2-axis machine used to cut through sheet materials using a laser

Question 30

What is a 3D printer?

Answer 30

A 3-axis machine used to create 3D models and prototypes

Question 31

Why is CAD/CAM good for global communities?

Answer 31

It reduces shipping and labour costs

Question 32

What are FMS?

Answer 32

Flexible manufacturing systems are a series of machines that make different parts of a product. They can be reprogrammed so are flexible

Question 33

What is JIT?

Answer 33

Just in time means the correct amounts of materials are delivered at the correct time to reduce storage and waste. It is triggered by a customer order

Question 34

What is lean manufacturing?

Answer 34

Minimalising costs and maximising efficiency by adapting designs and changing production processes

Question 35

What is planned obsolesence?

Answer 35

When a product is designed to have a limited life span (e.g. mobile phones or razors)

Question 36

What is design for maintainance?

Answer 36

When products are designed so specific components can be repaired (e.g. modular electronics or houshold appliances)

Question 37

What is design for disassembly?

Answer 37

When a product is designed to be taken apart so parts can be reused or recycled

Question 38

How can companies ensure fair working conditions?

Answer 38

Ensure employees receive fair pay. They can sign up to the Ethical trading initiative (ETI) to meet standards for working conditions

Question 39

How can companies ensure worker safety?

Answer 39

Provide safe working environments with necessary equipment and training to prevent harm

Question 40

What are the 6 Rs?

Answer 40

Repair, Reuse, Recycle, Rethink, Reduce, Refuse

Question 41

What is an LCA?

Answer 41

A Life Cycle Assessment is looks at every stage in a products life to work out the environmental impacts it has