A. New and Emerging Technologies Flashcards
What is automation?
Enables repetitive tasks to be performed by mechanised assembly lines rather than by a human.
What are robots?
Can be controlled to automatically perform a series of complex movements. Can be used to substitute humans in environments that are hazardous to humans.
Commonly used in assembly lines
What are robots?
Can be controlled to automatically perform a series of complex movements. Can be used to substitute humans in environments that are hazardous to humans.
Commonly used in assembly lines
Advantages of automation
- Increased efficiency and speed of production
- Accurate and consistent input
- Reduced labour costs
- Can work in a variety of environments
Disadvantages of automation
- Replaces workforce leading to job losses
- No human input/decision making
- Up-skilled workforce to maintain robots
- Expensive to set up
What is crowdfunding?
The use of small amounts of capital from many individuals to finance a new business venture.
Disadvantages of crowdfunding
If the venture doesn’t reach a funding target, any money already collected has to be returned to the investors.
What is a cooperative?
An enterprise that is owned and run by its members (workforce or customers)
What does it mean if a product is fair trade?
The companies who are selling the product have ensured that the farmers and workers who have made the product have had decent working conditions and there have been fair terms of trade for workers in less economically developed countries
Advantages of using social media to raise awareness for a new company?
- Enables mass-marketing for a low cost
- Can attract global attention
What is a finite resource?
Resources in limited supply that are being used more quickly than they can be replaced
Examples of finite resources
Fossil fuels (gas and coal), minerals, some metal ores
What is a non-finite resource?
Resources in abundant supply that are unlikely to ever be exhausted
Examples of non-finite resources
Solar and wind energy, timbers cotton
What is a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)?
A way for companies to assess the environmental impact of a product during the different stages of a product’s life
Steps in a LCA
- Extraction and processing (energy needed to extract raw materials)
- Manufacturing and production
- Distribution
- Use
- End of life
What is global warming?
The increase of the average global temperature that causes extreme weather events
What causes global warming?
Manufacturing and the burning of fossil fuels, contributing to an increased level of CO2 and other air pollutants in the atmosphere
What is pollution?
The introduction of harmful materials into the environment
What is continuous improvement?
Small but continuous improvements to processes and workflow
What is a technology push?
Designers utilise new technology to make a product before the market is aware of it, to improve existing ideas or push through designs of new ones.
Makes products smaller, cheaper or more efficient
What is a market pull?
When the market needs a product, designers make a product that meets that demand. In response to market forces and customer needs
Why is inclusive design important?
To ensure the environment or design can be used by as many people possible, regardless of gender, disability or age
What is a flexible manufacturing system (FMS)?
A method of production designed to adapt to changes in the quantity or type of product being manufactured.
