Mada za sehemu hiiDemonstrate understanding of Automated and Emerging technologies [Automated systems, Artificial Intelligence, Machine learning, 3D and holographic imaging, Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), etc.]Mada 6
- Demonstrate basic understanding of automated system and how sensors, microprocessors and actuators can be used in collaboration to create automated systems
- Describe the advantages and disadvantages of an automated system used for various scenario (agriculture, Industry, transport, weather, etc)
- Create simple automated system for specific challenge in surrounding environment
- Describe the concept of emerging technologies (Meaning, types, importance, advantages and disadvantages, and their impacts in everyday life)
- Demonstrate practical understanding of building blocks and components of artificial intelligence: basics algorithms, machine learning, and neural networks
- Demonstrate practical understanding of impacts of emerging technologies in everyday life
Automated Systems
An automated system is an arrangement in which sensors, processors (microcontrollers), and actuators work together to perform a task automatically with minimal human intervention. Creating a simple automated system involves identifying a real problem, selecting appropriate components, designing the logic, and testing the solution.
Every automated system consists of three main parts that work together in a cycle:
1. Sensors (Input) Sensors detect changes in the environment and collect data. They convert physical quantities (temperature, light, moisture, motion) into electrical signals that the controller can process.
- Examples: Photoresistor (light), temperature sensor, soil moisture sensor, motion detector
2. Controller/Microprocessor (Processing) The controller acts as the "brain" of the system. It reads sensor signals, compares them with programmed rules or thresholds (setpoints), and makes decisions about what action to take.
- Examples: Arduino, BBC micro:bit, PLC
3. Actuators (Output) Actuators carry out physical actions based on the controller's decisions. They convert electrical signals into movement, heat, light, or other physical effects.
- Examples: LED, motor, water pump, buzzer, relay
Step 1: Identify the Problem and Define the Goal
Observe your surroundings and find a problem that automation could solve. Clearly state what the system should achieve.
- Example Problem: Classroom lights are left on even when there is enough natural light, wasting electricity.
- Goal: Build a system that automatically turns lights ON when dark and OFF when bright.
Step 2: Sketch a Block Diagram
A block diagram shows how information flows from input to output:
[Environment] → [Sensor] → [Controller] → [Actuator] → [Action]
↑ |
└──────────────── Feedback ←──────────────────┘
Step 3: Decide the Components
Select specific hardware for each function:
- Sensor: Photoresistor (LDR) to measure light level
- Controller: BBC micro:bit or Arduino
- Actuator: LED (representing the classroom light)
Step 4: Write Pseudocode or Flowchart
Map out the decision-making logic:
START
Read light level from sensor
IF light level < threshold (50) THEN
Turn LED ON
ELSE
Turn LED OFF
Repeat forever
END
Step 5: Build and Test the System
Connect the components, write the program, and test using a simulator or real hardware. Adjust the threshold value as needed.
This example follows the textbook's approach using the BBC micro:bit.
Circuit Connections:
- Photoresistor + 10kΩ resistor → connected as voltage divider → micro:bit pin P0 (analog input)
- LED → connected to pin P1 through a resistor → GND
MakeCode Program Logic:
forever:
if (light level < 50):
digital write pin P1 to 1 # LED ON
else:
digital write pin P1 to 0 # LED OFF
Testing:
- In the simulator: Use the light level slider. Slide to dark → LED turns ON. Slide to bright → LED turns OFF.
- With real hardware: Cover the sensor with your hand → LED turns ON. Shine light on sensor → LED turns OFF.
This system demonstrates a closed-loop control with feedback: the sensor continuously monitors light level, the controller compares it to the threshold, and the actuator responds. When the room gets dark, the LED automatically turns on to provide illumination.
| Type | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed automation | Performs one specific task, cannot be changed | Car assembly line robots |
| Programmable automation | Can be reprogrammed for different tasks | CNC machines |
| Flexible automation | Can switch between tasks automatically | Modern robotic assembly |
- Consistency: Performs the same action repeatedly with uniform quality
- Efficiency: Completes tasks faster than manual methods
- Energy saving: Turns off equipment when not needed (like the light system)
- Safety: Performs dangerous tasks without human risk
In Tanzania, small-scale farmers can apply this concept to build automatic irrigation systems. Using a soil moisture sensor connected to an Arduino or micro:bit, the system automatically turns a water pump on when the soil is dry and off when it is moist. This helps conserve water and ensures crops receive adequate moisture even during dry seasons, reducing the need for constant manual watering and improving harvest yields.
Swali
Which of the following best describes an automated system according to the textbook?
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