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 Input/Output

• A/D & D/A Converters

A/D Converter

Processor

Analogue Signal

Digital Data

1 0 1 0 1 1

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

ShoulderWrist

WaistTool

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

Goalie RobotVacuum Robot

DigiDog

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

• High Initial Cost– Purchasing

equipment– Modernising factory

• Long term savings– Increased

Productivity– Wages

• Labour Intensive– Relies on Workers

• Capital Intensive– Uses expensive

machinery

• Productivity• Replacement Costs

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