ROBOTICS
Robotics is the branch of computer science + engineering that deals with designing, building, and
controlling robots.
What is a Robot?
A machine that can sense its environment, process information, and perform tasks automatically
or with minimal human help.
Main Parts of a Robot
1. Sensors – “eyes/ears” that detect light, heat, distance, touch
2. Processor/CPU – “brain” that decides what to do
3. Actuators/Motors – “hands/legs” that move the robot
Uses of Robotics in Real Life
1. Manufacturing – Welding, painting, assembling cars. Faster + no breaks.
2. Medicine – Surgical robots like Da Vinci do precise operations. Also prosthetic limbs.
3. Agriculture – Planting seeds, spraying crops, harvesting using drone robots.
4. Space – Mars rovers like Perseverance explore planets where humans can’t go.
5. Home – Vacuum robots like Roomba, robot lawn mowers.
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Advantages of Robotics
1. Works 24/7– No tiredness, no salary needed
2. High accuracy – No human errors in dangerous jobs
3. Handles danger– Bomb disposal, deep sea, nuclear plants
Disadvantages of Robotics
1. Job loss – Replaces human workers
2. High cost – Expensive to buy + maintain
3. No common sense – Can’t think creatively like humans
Key exam point: Robotics = Robots + Computer Science. The computer part gives the robot
its “Intelligence
Define Robotics
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Robotics is the branch of science and technology that deals with the design, construction,
operation, and use of robots.
Name 2 types of sensors used in robots
1. Light sensor - detects light/brightness
2. Proximity sensor - detects how close an object is
Give 2 differences between a robot and a normal machine
ROBOT MACHINE
Can sense + make decisions using a processor Follows fixed steps, no decisions.
Can work automatically. Needs full human control.
State 2 areas where robots are used and why
1. Hospitals- For surgery because robots are more precise than human hands
2. Space exploration - Because Mars/Venus are too dangerous for humans
Give 1 social impact of robotics
Job loss - Many factory workers lose jobs because robots do the work faster and cheaper.
1. What is the “brain” of a robot called
A. Sensor
B. Actuator
C. Processor/CPU
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D. Battery
2. Which robot is commonly used for surgery in hospitals?
A. Roomba
B. Da Vinci Surgical Robot
C. Mars Rover
D. Drone
3. The main disadvantage of using robots in factories is
A. They are slow
B. They cause job loss
C. They need water to operate
D. They get tired quickly
4. A sensor that detects how close an object is to a robot is called:
A. Light sensor
B. Temperature sensor
C. Proximity sensor
D. Sound sensor
5. Robotics is a combination of:
A. Computer Science + Engineering
B. Maths + History
C. Biology + Chemistry
D. Art + Music
Answers: 1. C, 2. B, 3. B, 4. C, 5. A
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Essay Question
Essay Question: Discuss the impact of robotics in our society. [10 marks]
_Tip: For 10 marks, give 5 points. 2 marks each = Point + Explanation/Example_
Expected answer
Introduction
Robotics is the use of robots to perform tasks automatically. Robots have both positive and
negative impacts on our society.
Body - Impacts
1. Positive: Increases production and efficiency
Robots work 24/7 without breaks, unlike humans. In car factories, welding robots assemble cars
faster and with fewer errors. This increases output for companies.
2. Positive: Performs dangerous jobs
Robots can work in places too dangerous for humans. E.g. bomb disposal robots defuse explosives,
and Mars rovers explore space. This saves human lives.
3. Positive: Improves accuracy in medicine
Surgical robots like Da Vinci perform precise operations. They make smaller cuts and reduce
patient recovery time. This improves healthcare.
4. Negative: Causes job loss and unemployment
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Robots replace human workers in factories and banks. Many cashiers and assembly line workers
lose jobs because machines do the work cheaper. This increases poverty.
5. Negative: High cost of installation and maintenance
Buying, programming, and repairing robots is very expensive. Small businesses and poor countries
cannot afford them, creating a gap between rich and poor.
Conclusion
In conclusion, robotics has improved production, safety, and healthcare, but it has also led to job
loss and high costs. Society must balance robot use with job training for humans.
Marking trick: Examiners love “Point → Explain → Example”. That 3-step formula gets you full
2 marks per point.