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Topic 6 · Automated and emerging technologies

Automated systems and robotics

How sensors, a microprocessor, and actuators work together in an automated system, and what makes something a robot.

Lesson 1 of 2Syllabus 6.1, 6.2updated October 31, 2026

Automated systems

An automated system uses sensors, a microprocessor, and actuators to do a job with no human needed. It runs in a continuous loop:

The control loop
  1. 1
    Sensor reads
    e.g. a temperature sensor measures the room.
  2. 2
    Convert
    The analogue reading is converted to digital.
  3. 3
    Microprocessor compares
    The reading is compared with a stored value, such as 21 °C.
  4. 4
    Actuator acts
    If needed, a signal turns the heater on or off.
then back to step 1

Example: a greenhouse

A moisture sensor measures the soil. The microprocessor compares the reading with the target moisture level. If the soil is too dry, it sends a signal to an actuator that opens a water valve. It keeps checking, and closes the valve when the soil is moist enough.

The same pattern appears in industry (production lines), transport (traffic lights, self-driving trains), agriculture (irrigation), weather stations, gaming, lighting, and science experiments.

  • Advantages: faster and more accurate than people; work 24/7 without breaks; safer in dangerous places; lower running costs.
  • Disadvantages: expensive to set up and maintain; can fail if a sensor breaks; reduce some jobs; cannot handle situations they were not programmed for.

Robotics

Robotics is the branch of computer science that designs, builds, and operates robots. A robot has three characteristics:

  • A mechanical structure or framework that lets it move or interact.
  • Electrical components such as sensors, microprocessors, and actuators.
  • It is programmable, so it can be given instructions to carry out tasks.
AreaRobots used for
IndustryWelding, painting, and assembling cars
TransportSelf-driving vehicles, warehouse robots
AgricultureFruit picking, weeding, drones that spray crops
MedicineSurgical robots, delivering medicines in hospitals
DomesticRobot vacuum cleaners and lawn mowers
EntertainmentAnimatronics, camera robots

Key terms

Automated system
A combination of software and hardware that performs a task without human intervention.
Microprocessor
An integrated circuit that processes the sensor data and makes decisions.
Actuator
A component that produces movement, such as a motor or valve.
Robot
A programmable machine with a mechanical structure and electrical components.

Check yourself

Describe how an automated system keeps a room at 21 °C.Show answer

A temperature sensor sends readings, converted to digital, to a microprocessor. It compares each reading with 21 °C. If lower, it signals an actuator to turn the heater on; if higher, to turn it off. This repeats continuously.

State the three characteristics of a robot.Show answer

A mechanical structure, electrical components (sensors, microprocessors, actuators), and it is programmable.

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