IGCSE Computer Science 0478 — 6.2 Robotics Hangman

The 28 key terms

1robotics

The branch of computer science that covers the design, construction and operation of robots.

2robot

A machine that carries out tasks automatically by following a program, usually without a person controlling each action. It does not have to look human.

3mechanical structure

The physical body or framework of a robot, such as its frame, joints, arms or wheels, that holds its parts together and lets it move. A program alone is not a robot.

4sensor

An input device that measures a physical quantity, such as heat or light, from the environment and sends the readings to a computer or microprocessor.

5microprocessor

A CPU built as an integrated circuit on a single chip. It is only the processor, not the whole computer, and is found in PCs, phones and embedded devices.

6actuator

An output device that turns a control signal from a processor into physical action, such as a motor turning, a valve opening or a heater switching on, in control systems and robots.

7feedback loop

A sensor sends readings to a microprocessor, which compares them with a stored value and signals an actuator, such as a heater, to act. This repeats continuously.

8electrical components

Parts such as sensors, a microprocessor and actuators, powered through wiring, that let a robot sense its surroundings, decide what to do and then move.

9programmable

A robot is programmable: it follows a stored set of instructions, and changing the program changes what the robot does. With no program it cannot act.

10mechanical structure + electrical components + program

A device is a robot only if it has all three: a mechanical structure, electrical components and a program. If any one is missing, it is not a robot.

11robot test

Check a device for all three robot characteristics: mechanical structure, electrical components and a program. Then justify with 'because' and evidence from the description.

12robotic arm

A factory robot with a jointed frame and gripper, electric motors and sensors, and a program that repeats a task on each item on a production line.

13domestic robot

A robot used in the home, such as a robot vacuum cleaner or lawnmower, that senses its surroundings and moves automatically to do a household job.

14drone

A flying robot with a frame and rotors, sensors, a microprocessor and motors, and a program that controls its flight, either by remote control or by following a programmed route.

15industrial robot

A robot used in factories to do repetitive or dangerous jobs such as welding, spray painting, assembling and packing, often on car assembly lines or in hot, hazardous places.

16robots in transport

Robots move people and goods, for example driverless cars, delivery drones and warehouse robots, using sensors to detect obstacles.

17agricultural robot

A robot that does farm jobs such as planting, picking, spraying and monitoring crops, e.g. fruit-picking robots, spraying drones, milking machines and soil sensors.

18Robots in medicine

Robots help with medical tasks needing great accuracy or care, such as assisting in surgery, moving patients and delivering supplies in hospitals.

20entertainment robot

A robot used in toys, games, theme parks and film that moves or interacts to amuse people, such as robot pets, animatronics, drone light shows and film effects.

21robot role

The area a robot works in: industry, transport, agriculture, medicine, domestic or entertainment. Match the task to the area, e.g. picking strawberries is agriculture.

22Robots do dangerous tasks

Robots can do dangerous tasks, such as working with heat, chemicals or heavy loads, so people are not put at risk of injury.

23consistent and continuous work

A robot repeats a task with the same accuracy every time and works for long periods without tiredness or breaks, so it raises productivity.

24lower running costs

Robots cost a lot to buy, but over time they save money because they need no wages or holidays and make fewer mistakes, so less is wasted. The purchase cost is paid back.

25unemployment

When robots do tasks that people did, fewer workers are needed, so some people lose their jobs. Workers may need retraining, though new jobs appear in building and maintaining robots.

26high cost

Robots are expensive to buy, install, program and maintain, so they can be too costly for small businesses.

27robot limitations

A robot can only do what it is programmed to do, cannot use human judgement, and stops working if it breaks down or loses power. It is less flexible than a person.

28weigh up

Compare a robot's advantages and disadvantages for one task, link each point to a reason with because, then give a conclusion on whether the robot should be used.

29key 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.