← IGCSE Computer Science Paper 1

Writing exam answers about robotics

Use the key terms robot, sensor, microprocessor, actuator and program correctly, and link each point to a reason, e.g. a robot is programmable so it can repeat a task.

Part of: IGCSE Computer Science 0478 — 6.2 Robotics — Module 29

Understanding Writing exam answers about robotics in IGCSE Computer Science Paper 1

What it does: These three characteristics are what the exam expects in a full definition of a robot. The advantage (safer work) is linked to a reason (humans are not exposed to danger), which earns the mark. Robotics is the subject area, not a single machine. Robots do not have to look human. Sensors input data, the microprocessor processes it, and the actuator produces the movement. Full-mark answers add a reason or effect. Just naming the characteristic often gains no extra mark. The three characteristics are a mechanical structure or framework, electrical components (sensors, microprocessor, actuators) and being programmable. This is a common mistake. Shape does not decide whether something is a robot.

Common mistakes: A robot does not have to look like a person. It is defined by its mechanical structure, electrical components and program. The line should read 'Robot: a programmable machine'. An actuator is the output part that makes something move. Measuring light is the job of a sensor. The line should read 'Actuator: moves the robot part'.

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This module's key terms are also in a printable crossword (Modules 652–661) and word search (Modules 652–678).

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Learning
Duo
Which answer defines robotics best for 1 mark?
Robotics is the branch of technology that deals with the design, construction and use of robots.Robotics is a machine that looks like a person and walks around.
Matches
A robot must look like a person.
↓
A robot does not have to look like a human. It only needs a mechanical structure, electrical components and a program.
Applying
Meanings
Term
key terms and reasons
Meaning
Use the key terms robot, sensor, microprocessor, actuator and program correctly, and link each point to a reason, e.g. a robot is programmable so it can repeat a task.
Practice
A robot has a mechanical structure, electrical components and a program.
Testing
Gaps
A robot runs a of instructions
Check Answer
Spots
1Robot: a human-shaped machine
2Sensor: collects input data

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Quick Questions

1. Which answer defines robotics best for 1 mark?
A. Robotics is a machine that looks like a person and walks around.
B. Robotics is the branch of technology that deals with the design, construction and use of robots. ✓
Robotics is the subject area, not a single machine. Robots do not have to look human.
2. Which sentence uses the key terms correctly to describe a robot's control system?
A. An actuator sends data to the sensor, which processes it and tells the microprocessor to move.
B. A sensor sends data to the microprocessor, which processes it and tells the actuator to move. ✓
Sensors input data, the microprocessor processes it, and the actuator produces the movement.
3. Which answer links a characteristic of a robot to a reason?
A. A robot is programmable, so it can be given instructions to repeat a task. ✓
B. A robot is programmable.
Full-mark answers add a reason or effect. Just naming the characteristic often gains no extra mark.
4. Which answer correctly lists the three characteristics of a robot?
A. Mechanical structure, electrical components and programmable. ✓
B. Human shape, a face and the ability to talk.
The three characteristics are a mechanical structure or framework, electrical components (sensors, microprocessor, actuators) and being programmable.
5. A student writes: 'A robot must look like a person.' Which response is correct?
A. Incorrect. A robot only needs a mechanical structure, electrical components and a program, so a factory arm is a robot. ✓
B. Correct. If it does not look like a person, it cannot be a robot.
This is a common mistake. Shape does not decide whether something is a robot.

Match the Pairs

A robot senses, processes and acts. → A full-mark answer names the sensor, microprocessor and actuator and says what each one does.
It is programmable, so it can repeat a task. → A point is linked to a reason: the characteristic (program) is followed by why it matters.
Describing the three characteristics of a robot with the correct key terms → Mechanical structure + electrical components + programmable
Giving an advantage in context with a reason → Robots do dangerous work, so humans stay safe.
A robot must look like a person. → A robot does not have to look like a human. It only needs a mechanical structure, electrical components and a program.
Robots are good because they are good. → This gives no reason. It should state a specific advantage, such as working continuously without breaks, and explain why it helps.

Key Term

key terms and reasons
Use the key terms robot, sensor, microprocessor, actuator and program correctly, and link each point to a reason, e.g. a robot is programmable so it can repeat a task.

Fill in the Blanks

1. A robot runs a program of instructions so it can repeat a task.
Hint: Type the key term for the set of instructions that makes a robot programmable.
2. A sensor detects light, heat or distance so the robot knows about its surroundings.
Hint: Type the component that collects data from the environment.
3. The microprocessor processes sensor data and decides what the robot should do.
Hint: Type the component that acts as the robot's brain and makes decisions.
4. An actuator moves a robot arm, so the robot can carry out its task.
Hint: Type the component that produces movement in a robot.
5. A robot needs a mechanical structure, electrical components and a program.
Hint: Type the word describing the second characteristic, the type of components a robot needs.

Spot the Error

Question 1
A Robot: a human-shaped machine
B Sensor: collects input data
C Actuator: causes movement
Line A — A robot does not have to look like a person. It is defined by its mechanical structure, electrical components and program. The line should read 'Robot: a programmable machine'.
Question 2
A Sensor: collects data
B Microprocessor: processes data
C Actuator: measures light
Line C — An actuator is the output part that makes something move. Measuring light is the job of a sensor. The line should read 'Actuator: moves the robot part'.
Question 3
A A robot repeats a task well
B because it gets tired quickly
C so the results are the same.
Line B — A robot repeats a task reliably because it is programmable, not because it tires. The reason should be 'because it follows a program'.
Question 4
A Disadvantage: high cost
B A robot is expensive to buy,
C so every firm can buy one.
Line C — High cost is a disadvantage because the purchase price is large and many small firms cannot afford a robot. The line should say small firms may struggle.
Question 5
A Example: a car factory robot
B Role: industry
C It uses a sensor to detect
D a part; the sensor moves
E the arm.
Line D — The sensor only detects the part. The actuator is what moves the arm. The line should be 'a part; the actuator moves'.

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