1.7.1

Automated Systems

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Automated Systems

Automated systems are found in many areas, such as industry, transport, agriculture, science, and even gaming.

What are automated systems?

What are automated systems?

  • An automated system is a process or machine that can operate without direct human control.
  • They use sensors, microprocessors, and actuators to work together.
  • They are designed to operate continuously and often repeat the same tasks with precision.
Key components

Key components

  • Sensors:
    • Detect and measure physical changes in the environment
    • Example: Temperature sensor (measures heat); Motion sensor (detects movement)
  • Microprocessors:
    • The "brain" of the system
    • Receives data from the sensors and processes it to make a decision based on programmed instructions
  • Actuators:
    • Parts that carry out actions based on instructions from the microprocessor
    • Example: Turning a motor on; Sprinkler releasing water; Switching a light off
How they work together

How they work together

  • The three components create a continuous loop:
    • A temperature sensor detects a room is too hot.
    • The data is sent to the microprocessor.
    • The microprocessor processes the data and makes a decision → "If temperature is above 25°C, turn the fan on".
    • The microprocessor sends a signal to the actuator (such as a fan motor).
    • The fan motor (actuator) performs the action and turns on.
Advantages of automated systems

Advantages of automated systems

  • Industry & manufacturing:
    • Increased speed and accuracy, leading to more efficient production.
  • Transport
    • Improved safety through automated braking and navigation systems.
  • Agriculture:
    • Saving water and resources through automated watering and harvesting.
  • Science:
    • Precise data collection in experiments, reducing the chance of human error.
  • 24/7 Operation:
    • Automated systems can work continuously without breaks, which is useful in many industries.
Disadvantages of automated systems

Disadvantages of automated systems

  • Costs:
    • The systems and their installation are often expensive.
  • Loss of jobs:
    • Automation can replace human workers, leading to unemployment.
  • Maintenance:
    • Automated systems are complex and require specialist skills if they break down.
  • Lack of flexibility:
    • They can only perform tasks they have been specifically programmed for.
  • System failure:
    • If the system malfunctions, it can lead to a complete shutdown of a factory or a critical process.
Jump to other topics
1

Computer Systems

1.1

Data Representation

1.1.1Binary Numbers1.1.2Negative Binary Numbers1.1.3Hexadecimal1.1.4Using Hexadecimal1.1.5Converting Binary & Hexadecimal1.1.6Converting Denary & Hexadecimal1.1.7Capacity1.1.8Calculating Capacity Requirements1.1.9Binary in Computer Systems1.1.10Data Compression1.1.11Run Length Encoding1.1.12File Formats
1.2

Data Transmission

1.2.1Packet Switching1.2.2Data Transmission1.2.3Universal Serial Bus (USB)1.2.4Parity Check1.2.5Checksum & Echo Checks1.2.6Encryption
1.3

Hardware

1.3.1Elements of Computer Systems1.3.2Types of Computer System1.3.3Von Neumann Architecture1.3.4The Fetch, Decode, Execute Cycle1.3.5Factors Affecting CPU Performance1.3.6Computational Logic1.3.7Input Devices1.3.82D & 3D Scanners1.3.9Code Readers1.3.10Solid State Storage1.3.11Magnetic Storage1.3.12Examples of Magnetic Storage1.3.13Optical Storage1.3.14Examples of Optical Storage1.3.15Types of Optical disk1.3.16Storage Requirements1.3.17Translation - Compilers1.3.18Translation - Interpreters1.3.19Translation - Assemblers1.3.20Acoustic Sensors1.3.21Flow Sensors1.3.22Gas Sensors1.3.23Humidity Sensors1.3.24Infrared Sensors1.3.25Level Sensors1.3.26Light Sensors1.3.27Magnetic Field Sensors1.3.28Moisture Sensors1.3.29pH Sensors1.3.30Pressure Sensors1.3.31Proximity Sensors1.3.32Temperature Sensors1.3.33Network Hardware
1.4

Software

1.4.1Operating Systems1.4.2Interrupts1.4.3High-Level Languages1.4.4Low-Level Languages
1.5

The Internet & its Uses

1.5.1The Internet1.5.2Uniform Resource Locators (URLs)1.5.3DNS1.5.4HTML1.5.5Cookies1.5.6Web Hosting1.5.7Digital Currency
1.6

Cyber Security

1.6.1Forms of Attack1.6.2Penetration Testing1.6.3Types of Malware1.6.4How Malware Spreads1.6.5Protecting Against Malware1.6.6Information Security1.6.7Structured Query Language (SQL) Injection1.6.8Firewalls1.6.9Authentication: User Access Levels1.6.10Authentication: Passwords1.6.11Social Engineering1.6.12Phishing1.6.13Denial of Service Attacks
1.7

Automated & Emerging Technologies

1.7.1Automated Systems1.7.2Robotics1.7.3Artificial Intelligence
2

Algorithms, Programming & Logic

2.1

Algorithm Design & Problem Solving

2.1.1Computational Thinking - Abstraction2.1.2Computational Thinking - Decomposition2.1.3Computational Thinking - Algorithmic Thinking2.1.4Pseudocode2.1.5Flow Diagrams2.1.6Interpreting, Correcting & Completing Algorithm2.1.7Correcting Algorithms2.1.8Completing Algorithms2.1.9Testing2.1.10Types of Testing2.1.11Test Plans2.1.12Validation & Sanitation2.1.13Authentication & Contingencies
2.2

Programming

2.2.1Programming Fundamentals - Variables & Constants2.2.2Programming Fundamentals - Comments2.2.3Programming Fundamentals - Input & Output2.2.4Data Types2.2.5Casting2.2.6Controlling Program Flow - Sequence2.2.7Controlling Program Flow - Selection2.2.8Controlling Program Flow - Iteration2.2.9Modularity - Subroutines2.2.10Modularity - Scope2.2.11Arrays
2.3

Databases

2.3.1Structuring Data - Records2.3.2Structuring Data - Databases2.3.3SQL
2.4

Boolean Logic

2.4.1Binary Systems2.4.2Logic Circuits2.4.3Truth Tables2.4.4Evaluating Expressions2.4.5Boolean Operators2.4.6End of Topic Test - Logic

Practice questions on Automated Systems

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  1. 1
    What is the main role of a microprocessor in an automated system?Multiple choice
  2. 2
    How does an automated fan work?Fill in the list
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Denial of Service Attacks

Robotics