O-LevelComputer ScienceAutomated and emerging technologies2210/11 · May/June 2024 · Q816 Marks

A farmer uses an automated robot to plant seeds in the field.

(a)State what is meant by the robot being automated.[1]
(b)Give three characteristics of a robot.[3]
(c)The robot plants seeds and stops when it reaches a fence. It then turns and continues planting seeds. The robot uses sensors and a microprocessor to know when it reaches a fence. Explain how the robot uses sensors and a microprocessor to know it has reached a fence.[6]
(d)Give two advantages of the farmer using an automated robot to plant seeds.[2]
(e)Give two disadvantages of the farmer using an automated robot to plant seeds.[2]
(f)The robot is adapted to have machine learning capabilities. Explain how this will improve the robot.[2]

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (May/June 2024). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

[1] 8(a) The robot can perform actions without human intervention
[3] 8(b) Any three from: It has a mechanical structure/framework; It has electrical components; It is programmable; It can move
[6] 8(c) Any six from: A proximity sensor is used; The sensor continuously sends digitised data to the microprocessor; The microprocessor compares the data to a stored value/range of values; If the value is within the range/matches the robot continues planting; If the value is above/below/outside the range a signal is sent by the microprocessor to turn/stop the robot; ...using an actuator to turn/stop the robot; This process repeats until the robot is turned off
[2] 8(d) Any two from: Example: The robot is more accurate when planting seeds; The robot does not need to take breaks // works 24/7; The robot will not get bored of performing a repetitive task; The farmer can perform other tasks whilst the robot is planting the seeds; The robot may be faster/more efficient (at planting seeds); Safer as the robot can work in a more dangerous environments (e.g. with animals in a field); Doesn't need to pay labour costs/wages
[2] 8(e) Any two from: Example: The robot may have been expensive to purchase; The robot may need maintenance and this may be costly; The robot may take away jobs from humans that previously planted the seeds; Farmer/workers may be deskilled; Farmer may need training in how to use the robot; If it breaks the farmer will need to manually plant; If faulty it may cause damage to farm/seeds; Cannot adapt to a new/unexpected event
[2] 8(f) Any two from: Example: The robot can now adapt itself by changing its own rules/data/ processes; The robot will become more efficient; ...as it has a greater knowledge of its surroundings/environment; ...as it can remember where a fence is; ...as it can remember the route it needs to take; ...as it can remember where any obstacles are to avoid; ...as it can remember where to start and stop sowing seeds; ...as it may make fewer errors