6.1.2 | AUTOMATED SYSTEMS

ON THIS PAGE
Describe the advantages and disadvantages of  an automated system used for a given scenario​
Including scenarios from:
– industry
– transport
– agriculture
– weather
– gaming
– lighting
– science

ALSO IN THE TOPIC
 6.1.1 SENSORS, MICROPROCESSORS AND ACTUATORS
YOU ARE HERE |6.1.2 AUTOMATED SYSTEMS IN ACTION
6.2.1 ROBOTICS
6.2.2 CHARACTERISTICS OF A ROBOT
6.2.3 ROBOT ROLES
6.3.1 WHAT IS AI
​6.3.2 CHARACTERISTICS OF AI
​6.3.3 OPERATIONS AND CONTROLS OF AI
AUTOMATED SYSTEMS TERMINOLOGY
AUTOMATED SYSTEMS ANSWERS

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AUTOMATED SYSTEMS SCENARIOS

SECTION 1 | AUTOMATED SYSTEM SCENARIOS

Automated systems have brought revolutionary advancements in both industrial sectors and our day-to-day lives, enhancing efficiency, accuracy, and convenience. In the industry, automation paves the way for high precision, consistency, and repeatability in manufacturing processes. Automated machinery can operate 24/7, significantly augmenting production capacity and reducing the time to market for products. Moreover, automation often ensures safer work environments by undertaking dangerous tasks, thereby minimizing occupational hazards and ensuring enhanced worker safety.

In our everyday lives, automation simplifies numerous tasks, providing enhanced comfort and convenience. From smart homes that manage lighting, temperature, and security to intelligent vehicles that assist or even take over driving, automation supports us in myriad ways. Automated systems often reduce the necessity for human intervention in mundane or repetitive tasks, freeing up time and energy that can be allocated to more meaningful or creative pursuits. In essence, automation plays a pivotal role in elevating the quality of both products and life by optimizing processes and creating intelligent environments that adapt to user needs.

However there are some disadvantages, the implementation of automated systems is not without drawbacks. In the industrial context, the initial investment required for automation technology can be substantially high, sometimes posing financial challenges especially for small and medium enterprises. Moreover, with the advancement of automation, certain jobs, particularly those involving repetitive or mundane tasks, are becoming obsolete, which raises concerns about job displacements and demands strategies for workforce development and re-skilling.

In our daily lives, while automated systems provide convenience, they also raise privacy and security concerns. Smart devices and systems accumulate a wealth of user data, and breaches in these systems could pose significant privacy risks. Additionally, reliance on automated systems may also lead to skill degradation among individuals, as tasks that were previously manually performed get overtaken by machines. Furthermore, technological glitches or failures in automated systems can potentially cause inconveniences or, in certain contexts like autonomous vehicles or healthcare devices, pose severe risks

Industry
Scenario: An automated assembly line in a car factory can produce cars more quickly and efficiently than a manual assembly line. This can help the company to produce more cars at a lower cost.

• Advantages: Automated systems can increase productivity and efficiency by performing tasks more quickly and accurately than humans. They can also improve safety by reducing the need for workers to perform dangerous or repetitive tasks.
• Disadvantages: Automated systems can be expensive to implement and maintain. They may also lead to job displacement, as machines can take over tasks that were previously done by humans.

Transport
Scenario: Self-driving trucks can transport goods more efficiently than human-driven trucks. This can help to reduce transportation costs and improve delivery times.

• Advantages: Automated systems can improve transportation safety and efficiency. For example, self-driving cars can reduce the risk of accidents caused by human error. Automated traffic control systems can optimize traffic flow and reduce congestion.
• Disadvantages: Automated systems can be vulnerable to hacking and other cyber attacks. They may also be unreliable in bad weather conditions.

Agriculture
Scenario: Automated drones can be used to monitor crops and identify areas that need attention. This can help farmers to improve crop yields and reduce costs.

• Advantages: Automated systems can help to improve agricultural productivity and efficiency. For example, automated milking machines can milk cows more quickly and efficiently than human milkers. Automated irrigation systems can water crops more accurately and efficiently than manual irrigation methods.
• Disadvantages: Automated systems can be expensive to implement and maintain. They may also be susceptible to damage from pests, diseases, and weather events.

Weather
Scenario: Automated weather forecasting systems can be used to predict the path of hurricanes and other severe weather events. This information can be used to evacuate people from danger and to prepare for the impact of the storm.

• Advantages: Automated weather forecasting systems can provide more accurate and timely weather forecasts than manual forecasting methods. This information can be used to protect people and property from severe weather events.
• Disadvantages: Automated weather forecasting systems can be complex and expensive to operate. They may also be less accurate in forecasting extreme weather events.

Gaming
Scenario: Automated AI can be used to create NPCs in video games that are more challenging and unpredictable for players to defeat. This can make the game more engaging and enjoyable for players.

• Advantages: Automated systems can be used to create more realistic and immersive gaming experiences. For example, automated game engines can generate realistic graphics and physics simulations. Automated artificial intelligence (AI) can be used to create non-player characters (NPCs) that behave more intelligently and realistically.
• Disadvantages: Automated systems can be complex and expensive to develop. They may also result in games that are too easy or too difficult for players to enjoy.

Lighting
Scenario: Automated lighting systems can be used to create a more welcoming and inviting atmosphere in a retail store. This can encourage customers to stay in the store longer and to spend more money.

• Advantages: Automated lighting systems can save energy and reduce costs. They can also be used to create more attractive and functional lighting environments. For example, automated lighting systems can be used to dim lights when a room is empty or to turn off lights automatically when people leave a building.
• Disadvantages: Automated lighting systems can be expensive to install and maintain. They may also be complex and difficult to program.

Science
Scenario: Automated laboratory robots can be used to perform high-throughput drug screening experiments. This can help scientists to identify new drugs and treatments more quickly.

• Advantages: Automated systems can help scientists to conduct experiments more efficiently and accurately. For example, automated laboratory robots can perform tasks such as pipetting, mixing, and dispensing liquids. Automated microscopes can automatically capture and analyse images of cells and tissues.
• Disadvantages: Automated systems can be expensive to purchase and maintain. They may also require specialized training to operate.

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Automated systems offer a number of advantages, such as increased productivity, efficiency, and safety. However, they also have some disadvantages, such as high cost, job displacement, and vulnerability to cyber attacks. It is important to weigh the pros and cons carefully before implementing an automated system.
It is also important to note that automated systems are not always a perfect solution. In some cases, human intervention is still required to ensure that the system is operating properly and to address unexpected events. While automated systems offer remarkable benefits in enhancing efficiency, safety, and convenience across various domains, it is imperative to navigate the accompanying challenges thoughtfully. Balancing the implementation of automation with ethical, social, and economic considerations is crucial to harness its advantages sustainably and equitably.

ALSO IN THIS TOPIC

 6.1.1 SENSORS, MICROPROCESSORS AND ACTUATORS
6.1.2 AUTOMATED SYSTEMS IN ACTION
6.2.1 ROBOTICS
6.2.2 CHARACTERISTICS OF A ROBOT
 6.2.3 ROBOT ROLES
 6.3.1 WHAT IS AI
​6.3.2 CHARACTERISTICS OF AI
6.3.3 OPERATIONS AND CONTROLS OF AI
AUTOMATED SYSTEMS TERMINOLOGY
AUTOMATED SYSTEMS ANSWERS