Unit 6.2 - Robotics

Question 1

robotics definition

Answer 1

branch of computer science that incorporates the design, construction and operation of robots

Question 2

3 laws of robotics

Answer 2

1) robots can’t injure human through action or inaction
2) robots must obey humans’ orders unless it disobeys #1
3) robot must protect itself, unless it disobeys #1

Question 3

3 examples of where robots are found

Answer 3

-factories
-home
-drones

Question 4

what do robots do in factories? [4]

Answer 4

-weld parts together
-paint
-cut out parts
-label

Question 5

what do robots do at home? [6]

Answer 5

-autonomous floor sweepers
-autonomous lawn mower
-autonomous window cleaners
-ironing robots
-pool cleaning
-entertainment

Question 6

what do robots do as drones?

Answer 6

-Take aerial photographs (reconnaissance
-make parcel deliveries (amazon)

Question 7

3 characteristics of robots

Answer 7

-mechanical structure/framework
–> can move
-electrical components (sensors, microprocessors and actuators)
–> can sense surroundings
– programmable

Question 8

dependent robots

Answer 8

human needs to be interfacing directly with robot. Cannot fully replace the human activity, it just helps

Question 9

indipendent robots

Answer 9

no direct human control, they are autonomous. Can fully replace the human activity

Question 10

why do robots not possess AI?

Answer 10

they do repetitive tasks, don’t need AI

Question 11

what do robots do in industry?

Answer 11

weld parts together, paint, label, manufacturing goods

Question 12

advantages of robots in industry [7]

Answer 12

-can work 24/7 with the same quality produced
-safer for humans (dangerous environment, okay!)
-less expensive long run (fewer salaries)
-higher productivity
-more consistent
-less mistakes even when doing boring repetitive tasks
-less cost in heating and lighting (robots don’t need it)

Question 13

disadvantages of robots in industry [5]

Answer 13

-expensive to buy + set up initially
-hard to do non-standard tasks
-lead to higher unemployment rate
-deskilling if robots take over certain tasks
-factories moved to where operation costs are lower (unemployment in certain countries)

Question 14

robot uses in transport

Answer 14

-changing gear
-applying brakes
-turn steering wheel
-self driving vehicles
-auto-pilot
-self parking

Question 14

advantages of robots in transport (vehicles , trains, planes) [10]

Answer 14

-safer (less human error)
-more efficient robots = better for environment
-less traffic
-increased lane capacity
-reduced travel times
-stress free parking

-reduced running costs
-minimises energy consumption
-easier to change train scheduling (more trains during busier times)

-more comfortable

Question 15

disadvantages of robots in transport (vehicles, trains, planes) [10]

Answer 15

-expensive to set up initially
-fear of hacking into control system
-security and safety issues (glitching)
-maintenance of system (camera clean, sensors functioning correctly)
-driver and passenger not trusting new technology
-reduction in need for taxis –> unemployment

-cannot check passenger behavior
-need for CCTVs to monitor stations

-security (terrorist attacks)
-emergency situations are hard to deal with

Question 16

robot uses in agriculture

Answer 16

-harvesting and picking
-weed control
-phenotyping
-seed-planting
-fertiliser distribution
-autonomous labour-saving devices
–> grass mowers
–> weeding, pruning, harvesting
–> seeding
–> fertiliser spraying

Question 17

advantages of robots in agriculture [7]

Answer 17

-increase of efficiency, speed, productivity
-operates 24/7 (no tiredness)
-reduce labour costs
-safer for humans
-eco-friendly approach
-accurate and precise
-waste reduced

Question 18

disadvantages of robots in agriculture [8]

Answer 18

-expensive to set up initially
-specialized and high maintenance required
-limited ability to handle delicate things
-identification is hard
-advanced sensors and software needed –> expensive
-even terrain / poor weather can disrupt
-unemployment (farmers and labourers)
-repair costs high

Question 19

use of robots in medicine

Answer 19

-surgeries are safer, quicker, less expensive
-monitor patients
-disinfections of rooms
-take blood samples (safer (no disease spread), less painful (more accurate), doctors/nurses can do other work)
-prosthetic limbs

Question 20

use of domestic robots

Answer 20

-autonomous vacuum cleaners
-autonomous grass cutters
-personal assistants (Alexa)

Question 21

use of robots in entertainment

Answer 21

-theme parks use to entertain visitors
-music festivals are more immersive (lighting control, lasers, animation, synchronisation with music)
-control cameras (steady, auto focusing)
-humanoid robots (as stunt actors)
-produce special effects (with precision, fastness, coordination very good, synchronisation)