Vous êtes sur la page 1sur 27

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

£$£$£$£$£$£

Vous aimerez peut-être aussi