Upload
diata
View
78
Download
1
Tags:
Embed Size (px)
DESCRIPTION
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 - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
Citation preview
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
£$£$£$£$£$£