Computer Controlled Systems
Overview
On a modern production line, robot arms weld car bodies, fill thousands of cans an hour and never stop for a break. On the road, self-driving cars read their surroundings and steer themselves. None of this is magic: behind every one of these machines is the same loop of sensors, a microprocessor and actuators, working together far faster and more consistently than any human could. Understanding that loop is the key to this whole topic.
This lesson explains how a computer controlled system senses the world, decides what to do and acts on it, then keeps checking the result. You will see how robots are taught and used in manufacturing, how a bottling plant runs itself, and how autonomous vehicles work. You will also weigh the real benefits of these systems against their costs, including the impact on jobs, exactly the balanced judgement the exam rewards.
Objectives
- Computer controlled systems.
- Including: robotics in manufacture, production line control, autonomous vehicles Advantages and disadvantages of using computer controlled systems rather than humans.
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Lesson Note
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Lesson Evaluation
Congratulations on completing the lesson on Computer Controlled Systems. Now that youve explored the key concepts and ideas, its time to put your knowledge to the test. This section offers a variety of practice questions designed to reinforce your understanding and help you gauge your grasp of the material.
You will encounter a mix of question types, including multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, and essay questions. Each question is thoughtfully crafted to assess different aspects of your knowledge and critical thinking skills.
Use this evaluation section as an opportunity to reinforce your understanding of the topic and to identify any areas where you may need additional study. Don't be discouraged by any challenges you encounter; instead, view them as opportunities for growth and improvement.
- In a computer controlled system, the device that measures a physical quantity and sends data to the processor is the: A. Actuator B. Sensor C. Conveyor D. End effector Answer: B
- The output device that physically changes a process, such as opening a valve, is the: A. Sensor B. Microprocessor C. Actuator D. Monitor Answer: C
- Sending the result of an action back to the system as new input is called: A. Feedback B. Buffering C. Streaming D. Encryption Answer: A
- Which is a disadvantage of using robots rather than human workers? A. They can work 24 hours a day B. They give consistent quality C. They can cause unemployment of skilled workers D. They can work in harmful environments Answer: C
- The tool fitted to the end of a robot arm, such as a spray gun, is called the: A. Sensor B. End effector C. Actuator D. Microprocessor Answer: B
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