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Automated Systems: Standard Grade

An automated system is a system that uses computers to control machines and equipment without human involvement. Sensors provide feedback to the computer, which uses that information to make decisions. Signals need to be converted between analog and digital forms. Automated systems are useful for hazardous environments, repetitive tasks, speed, efficiency, accuracy, and adaptability. Robots can be stationary, used on assembly lines, or mobile to access hard to reach places. Automated systems have implications for jobs, workplace design, safety, and economic impacts.

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Murali
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38 views

Automated Systems: Standard Grade

An automated system is a system that uses computers to control machines and equipment without human involvement. Sensors provide feedback to the computer, which uses that information to make decisions. Signals need to be converted between analog and digital forms. Automated systems are useful for hazardous environments, repetitive tasks, speed, efficiency, accuracy, and adaptability. Robots can be stationary, used on assembly lines, or mobile to access hard to reach places. Automated systems have implications for jobs, workplace design, safety, and economic impacts.

Uploaded by

Murali
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Automated Systems

Standard Grade
What Is An Automated System?
• A system in which computers are used
to control machines and equipment
• For example:
– Traffic light system
– Robot arms in car manufacturing industry
– To control and monitor the temperatures of
dangerous chemicals processes in such
places as oil refineries
Types of Automated System

• Everyday automated systems:


– Toaster, washing machine, fridge, etc
• Robots:
– Arms
– Mobile
The Need for Automated Systems

• Hazardous Environment
• Repetitive Tasks
• Speed
• Efficiency
• Accuracy
• Adaptability
Sensors & Feedback
• A sensor is used to detect something and then
give feedback to computer
• Feedback allows the computer to make a
decision based on the information
• Examples of sensors:
– heat
– light
– collisions
– proximity
– magnetic fields
– Pressure
Signal Converters
• A computer is connected to a device by a circuit
called an interface.
• The interface must be able to convert the
computer’s digital signals to analogue signals if
required.
• This is done by a digital to analogue
converter.
• Signals can be changed in the other direction by
an analogue to digital converter.
Signal Converters

• Analogue • A/D & D/A


Input/Output Converters

Analogue Signal

A/D Converter

Digital Data
Processor
1 0 1 0 11
Real-Time Processing
Example:
• A nuclear power station uses an automated
system to control temperature of the
dangerous chemicals
• The temperature rises above safe levels
which could cause a major explosion
• The system is not real-time and will get to
the problem when it next gets the chance!
Hardware & Software
• ROM Software
– ROM is faster to load than disk
– But are more expensive
• Embedded systems
– Are a small computer inside a large piece of
machinery (Like a washing machine or mobile
phone)
• Control languages
– The programming language that is used to
control the automated system
Simulations
• Used to model real-life situations
– Training
• Flight simulators
– Practise
• Emergency procedures
– Testing
• Car crash simulators
Computer Aided Design (CAD)

• Using specialised software and hardware


to design anything from kitchens to cars.
• Hardware used:
– Graphics Tablet
– Computer Software
– High Resolution
Monitor
– Plotter
Computer Aided Manufacture (CAM)

• Computer uses the information given to create


the item
• Always perfect
Automated Systems

Standard Grade
Robots : Stationary

• Stay in one place all the time


– e.g. used on factory assembly lines
• Control programs are stored on disc or
tape
• Can be reprogrammed to do a different
task
Anatomy of Robot Arm

• Some robots have parts that resemble


human limbs

Elbow
Shoulder
Wrist

Waist
Tool
Tools
• The ‘hand’ of the robot arm is specialised
to the task the robot is programmed to do.
• For example:
– gripper
– paint spray gun
– welding electrode
– suction cap
– paint stripper
– magnet
Robots : Mobile

• Robots which move are


called mobile robots.
• They use tracks, wheels
or legs to move.
• Good for getting to
places that humans
can’t, for example the
Mars robot.
Robots : AGVs

• Autonomous Guided
Vehicles
• These are robots which
move around factories
following guides.
• AGVs can practically
work on its own.
Guides

• If a mobile robot is designed to move


around a factory it may use guides
• Guides can be
– Magnetic: Magnetic strips are placed under
the surface of the factory floor
• Expensive but will not need to be replaced
– Light: White lines are painted on floor and
robot follows these with light sensors
• Very cheap but can wear easily.
Programmable
• A robot follows an
instruction called a
program
• Programs are written in
High Level Language
• This is a language similar
to everyday English.
• This program can be changed so robot can be
used for other tasks, e.g.
– A robot arm that welds cars can be reprogrammed to
paint cars
Other Robots

DigiDog

Goalie Robot
Vacuum Robot
The Future?
Implications: Social
• Retraining
• Redundancy
• Nature of the job
• Increased leisure
time
Implications: Technical

• Safety Precautions must be


taken when using industrial
automation

• Workplace Design
– With humans we need the
right temperature, frequent
breaks, low noise, etc
– Automated systems don’t.
Systems Analysis

• Before designing a new


factory a Systems
Analysis needs to be
carried out
• A Systems Analyst looks
at how various jobs are
done manually and sees
if these can be done by
computer
Factories of the Future

• We now have very few people working in


factories
• This means that factories can be designed
around the automated systems, not the humans
Implications : Economic

• Labour Intensive • High Initial Cost


– Relies on Workers – Purchasing
• Capital Intensive equipment
– Uses expensive – Modernising factory
machinery • Long term savings
• Productivity – Increased
Productivity
• Replacement Costs
– Wages

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