Automated System Process
When answering ANY automated system questions your examiner is expecting to see a series of steps taking place. The list below can be applied for any scenario. You must ADAPT the answer provided to the scenario that will be given! If a motor/compressor or some mechanical device is used (Actuator) make sure you mention the signal sent to it is converted using DAC.
In some occasions questions may be up to 8 points! This means that the examiner expects you to mention ALL comparisons provided in the description.
- Sensor (ALWAYS mention what sensor) is used to collect data
- Data is converted from analogue to digital using ADC
- Data is sent to the microprocessor; the microprocessor compares the data with a stored value
- If (this is an example — you must adapt according to question) the value is higher then the microprocessor sends a signal to e.g. turn on the air-conditioning compressor
- Signal is converted from digital to analogue using DAC and sent to the actuator (the compressor) to perform the action
- This is a continuous process
Automated Systems exist in the following sectors:
- Industry
- Transport
- Agriculture
- Weather
- Gaming
- Lighting
- Science
Describe the advantages/disadvantages of using Automation in X industry
The following points can be applied to ANY example but MUST be adapted to relate to the question being asked.
- Initial cost: will be high because of the equipment that will be needed (eg robots). Software developed for equipment will also be expensive.
- Running cost: may be high cost to maintain equipment. HOWEVER actions performed may be more efficient compared to humans which can save money, and may also reduce the number of employees needed for the task therefore will save money in the long run.
- Safety: machines/robots can be used in hazardous environments which could otherwise be life-threatening to humans.
- Replacing people's jobs: jobs that automated systems will perform will replace humans. HOWEVER new jobs are created for maintaining new equipment and developing software/updates for them.
- Continuous work: automated systems can work continually without breaks throughout the entire day, this means that they can be more productive than humans.
- Precision: human workers are not able to maintain the level of consistency in tasks performed that a robot can, this means that automated systems can generate more consistent results.