Automated & Emerging Technologies & Ethics

Automated systems

An automated system uses sensors, a microprocessor and actuators to monitor and control a process without continuous human input. Sensors collect data from the environment; the microprocessor compares the readings with stored values; if action is needed it sends signals to actuators (motors, heaters, valves). Examples include central heating, greenhouses, automatic doors and self-driving cars.

Sensors are usually analogue, so an ADC (analogue-to-digital converter) converts their readings for the microprocessor.
A DAC (digital-to-analogue converter) converts the processor's digital signals for analogue actuators.

Advantages: faster response, more accurate/consistent, can work continuously, safer in dangerous environments. Disadvantages: expensive to set up, can replace human jobs, and faults can affect the whole system.