EFFECTS OF USING IT
Labor-saving devices
Automatic washing machine/ dishwasher
Robotic vacuum cleaner
Microwave ovens/ cookers
Other types of devices
Burglar alarm system
Heating/ Air conditioning system
Used in mobile phones
Advantages
No need to do manual tasks
Disadvantages
Lazy and over-reliant as they depend on the
devices more
Some devices can be triggered wrongly if they are
faulty
Loss of basic skills
Unhealthy lifestyle because of ready-made
meals and microwave meals
Less social interaction
Can be hacked (risk of cybersecurity)
Can stay at home when the food is being cooked
Automatic burglar alarms give a sense of security
More time to do other activities or complete
works
Healthy lifestyles because of smart fridges
Save energy as they can switch themselves off
after a period of inactivity
Easy to program these devices to do tasks
Not cost-effective to repair them if they fail
Data Security Issues
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Any devices, which can be remotely controlled, can be hacked
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By this way, criminals can get personal data about you
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So, have a different password on each device, and keep the security features up-to-date.
Social Interactions
Advantages
Can communicate each other using VoIP, emails
or chat rooms
Easier to make new friends and find the ones with
similar interests
Less expensive and faster to keep in touch with
each other
Disadvantages
Do not meet face-to-face much (Social isolation)
Anxious of meeting people in real life
Behave differently when interacting online
MONITORING AND CONTROLLING TRANSPORTS
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Monitoring traffic on motorways
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Congestion zone monitoring
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Automatic number plate recognition (ANPR)
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Automatic control of traffic light
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Air traffic control system
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Railway signaling systems
Smart motorways
(1) Advantages
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Constantly adapt to traffic conditions such as (reducing traffic jams and minimizing journey
time)
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Traffic offences, criminals and stolen cars can be tracked using ANPR
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Computerized monitoring system has less error, comparing to humans
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If there is an accident, the smart motorways can control the traffic to redirect them to avoid the
accident.
(2) Disadvantages
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A hacker can gain access to the system and cause disruption
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If the system fails, the whole transport system could be brought to a standstill
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Poorly designed systems could compromise safety
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ANPR means that innocent people can be tracked easily
Autonomous cars
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Use sensors, cameras, actuators and microprocessors together with very complex algorithms
to carry out their functions safely
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Sensors and cameras allow control systems in cars to carry out their functions by sensing the
dynamic conditions on the road
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They are ears and eyes of an autonomous car
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Microprocessors process the data received from the cameras and sensors and send signals to
actuators to carry out functions like “change gear”, “apply breaks”, or “turn the steering
wheels”.
Advantages
Safer as human error is removed
Better environment as vehicles will operate more
efficiently
Reduce traffic congestion and travel time
Stress-free parking for motorists
Increased lane capacity
Disadvantages
Very expensive to set up
Someone can hack into the vehicle’s control
system
Can cause unemployment as taxi drivers are not
needed
Need to make sure the system is well-maintained
People would be worry to accept this new
technology
Autonomous train
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Use sensors, cameras, actuators, and microprocessors together with very complex algorithms
to carry out their functions safely
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LiDaR (Light detection and ranging) uses lasers which builds up a 3D image of surrounding
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Control system in the train also uses Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) technology
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Actuators play a huge role such as controlling the train’s speed, braking, opening and closing
the door, etc.
Advantages
Improves the punctuality
Reduce running costs
Improve safety
Minimize energy consumption
Easier to change schedule
Increase the frequency of the train
Disadvantages
Somone can hack into the train system
Does not work well with very busy service
High capital costs and operational costs initially
Ensuring the passenger behavior is acceptable
People would be worry to accept this new
technology
No driver means that it will need a CCTV to
monitor the railway stations
Autonomous airplanes
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Uses sensors to detect turbulence and ensure smooth flight
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Self-testing of all circuits and system improve
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Uses sensors that would automatically detect depressurization in the cabin, and stabilize
quickly
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Use GPS for navigation and speed calculation
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Use actuators to control throttle, flaps, and the rudder
Advantages
Improve comfortability of the passenger
Reduce running costs
Improve safety
Improve aerodynamics at the front as it doesn’t
need cockpit anymore
Disadvantages
Security issues as there is no pilot no board
Difficult to deal with emergency situation
Someone can hack the system
People would be worry to accept this new
technology
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