Paper 1: Automated and Emerging Technologies

Question 1

Automated System

Answer 1

A system that operates largely or entirely without human intervention. It uses sensors, microprocessors, and actuators to perform tasks automatically. Application Examples: Self-driving cars, automated factory production lines, smart home devices.

Question 2

Sensor

Answer 2

A device that detects and measures a physical property (like temperature, light, pressure, motion) and converts it into an electrical signal that can be used by a microprocessor. Application Examples: Temperature sensors in thermostats, motion sensors in security systems, light sensors in cameras.

Question 3

Microprocessor (in Automation)

Answer 3

The “brain” of an automated system. It receives signals from sensors, processes the information according to programmed instructions, and sends signals to actuators. Application: The microcontroller in a washing machine that controls the wash cycle based on sensor inputs (water level, temperature).

Question 4

Actuator

Answer 4

A device that converts an electrical signal from a microprocessor into a physical action (like moving a motor, opening a valve, or turning on a light). Application Examples: Motors in robots, valves in industrial control systems, speakers in audio systems.

Question 5

Robotics

Answer 5

The branch of technology that deals with the design, construction, operation, and application of robots - programmable machines capable of carrying out a complex series of actions automatically. Application Examples: Industrial robots used in manufacturing, surgical robots, drones, and home robots.

Question 6

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Answer 6

The theory and development of computer systems able to perform tasks that normally require human intelligence, such as visual perception, speech recognition, decision-making, and language translation. Application Examples: Image recognition in self-driving cars, voice assistants like Siri and Alexa, recommendation systems on platforms like Netflix.

Question 7

Machine Learning (ML)

Answer 7

A subset of AI that allows computer systems to learn from data without being explicitly programmed. They can identify patterns, make predictions, and improve their performance over time. Application Examples: Spam filters in email, fraud detection systems, personalized recommendations on e-commerce websites.

Question 8

Natural Language Processing (NLP)

Answer 8

A branch of AI that deals with the interaction between computers and human language. It enables computers to understand, interpret, and generate human
language. Application Examples: Chatbots, language translation services, sentiment analysis of social media posts.