Week 9- Software and Robotics and Automated Systems

Software
Instructions and data which can be stored electronically, classes as Software.

There are 3 types of software:

• Application software- including word processors, graphic editors, communication software and business software
• Operating software- controls the hardware and acts as an interface between the application programs and the hardware.
• Utility programs- these have a specific task to perform, however they usually run in the background of your computer, e.g. virus protection software

There are 3 types of interfaces:

• Command Line Interface (CLI)
• Graphical User Interface (GUI)
• Natural Language Interface (NLI)

Examples of Software include:

• Microsoft Windows
• Microsoft Office- Word, Excel, Powerpoint
• iTunes
• Adobe

SOFTWARE

Robotics and Automated Systems
NASA states that robotics is the study of robots and that robots are used to do jobs. Some may work on their own, but others may require a human programming information into it to tell it what to do. Some important points regarding robotics include:

• Robotics is a prime example of Artificial Intelligence
• Robots replace jobs that are to dangerous for humans
• 2 types of robots; Stationary (found in assembly lines in factories) and Mobile (domestic robots, e.g. toys)
• Robots are run on hydraulic systems, involving sensory devices, actuators and controlling devices

Example of a Space Robot



The following videos shows an example of robots in action:
NOTE: Warning the second video may contain gruesome footage. However it demonstrates the use of robots in everday society.

References:

• Hitt, D. (2009) What is Robotics? Retrieved April 27, from http://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/robotics/home/what_is_robotics_58.html