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.
Examples use Cambridge pseudocode for the 2026–2028 syllabus.
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:
- 1Sensor readse.g. a temperature sensor measures the room.
- 2ConvertThe analogue reading is converted to digital.
- 3Microprocessor comparesThe reading is compared with a stored value, such as 21 °C.
- 4Actuator actsIf needed, a signal turns the heater on or off.
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.
| Area | Robots used for |
|---|---|
| Industry | Welding, painting, and assembling cars |
| Transport | Self-driving vehicles, warehouse robots |
| Agriculture | Fruit picking, weeding, drones that spray crops |
| Medicine | Surgical robots, delivering medicines in hospitals |
| Domestic | Robot vacuum cleaners and lawn mowers |
| Entertainment | Animatronics, camera robots |
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.
References used to build these lessons
We used these official documents as references when building this course's lessons. They are the sources for the syllabus structure and course requirements.
Cambridge International · 2210 · Exams 2026–2028