Chapter 43: Technology in Production

LEARNING OBJECTIVE:
To analyse the role of robotics in production
Success Criteria:
Will be able to explain the impact of technology in production.
Will be able to give examples of new technology in primary, secondary and
tertiary sector and state costs and benefits of technology.
Will be able to explain the importance of balancing cost, productivity, quality and
flexibility when using technology.
 Technology in Primary Sector
It includes all use of technology to increase productivity in the primary
sector.
• Tractors
• Drones
• Mechanical harvesters
• Grain drying machines
• Automatic feeding systems
 Technology in Secondary Sector
More capital-intensive production. Technologies used:
• Robotics Find the meaning of
each.
• Computer-aided design (CAD) Pages – 362 to 363

• Computer numerically controlled machines (CNC)

• Computer aided manufacturing (CAM)
• Computer integrated manufacturing (CIM)
Uses of Robots in Business
Use Description Example

Robots help in manufacturing by assembling Tesla and Toyota use robots on assembly
Automating Production
products, improving speed and accuracy. lines to build cars efficiently.

Using AI & Sensors Robots collect data using sensors and AI to Self-checkout machines in supermarkets
improve performance and decision-making. use AI to scan and process purchases.

Robots assist with tasks like luggage handling, Yotel hotels use robots to carry luggage,
Hotel & Hospitality room service, and cleaning. deliver laundry, and make coffee.

Robots move, sort, and transport goods in Amazon’s robotic warehouse systems help
Logistics & Warehousing
warehouses, reducing human effort. pack and move parcels faster.

Robots clean public spaces, offices, and RoboVac (automated vacuum cleaners)
Cleaning & Maintenance homes automatically. clean floors in hotels and offices.

Healthcare & Surgery Robots assist in medical procedures for The Da Vinci Surgical System performs
precision and efficiency. complex surgeries with high accuracy.

Robots help plant, harvest, and monitor crops Smart farms use robotic drones to spray
Agriculture
to improve productivity. pesticides and monitor crop health.
Sector Use of Robots Example
Robots help in production and Car manufacturers like Tesla use
Manufacturing assembly lines, increasing efficiency robots to assemble vehicles quickly
and accuracy. and precisely.

Logistics & Robots transport goods and manage Amazon uses robotic systems in
Warehousing inventory, reducing costs and improving warehouses to sort and move
speed. packages.
Robots assist in planting, harvesting, Farms use robotic harvesters to pick
Agriculture and spraying crops, improving fruits and vegetables faster.
productivity.

Medicine Robots perform surgeries with high The Da Vinci Surgical System is used in
precision, reducing risks and errors. hospitals for complex surgeries.
Robots are used in theme parks, toys, Disney uses animatronic robots in
Entertainment and customer service to engage rides and attractions.
customers.

Hazardous Tasks Robots handle dangerous tasks like NASA uses robots for space
(R&D, Testing) chemical testing or working in extreme exploration, reducing risks for
conditions. astronauts.
 Benefits & Drawbacks of Robots in Business

Benefits Drawbacks
Increases efficiency – Robots can work faster
and longer without breaks, improving High initial cost – Purchasing and setting up
productivity. robots requires a large investment.

Improves accuracy & quality – Reduces human Maintenance costs – Robots need regular
errors in tasks like manufacturing and surgery. servicing and repairs, which can be expensive.

Reduces labor costs – Businesses can save

money by using robots instead of hiring Job losses – Automation may replace human
workers. workers, leading to unemployment.

Performs dangerous tasks – Can be used in Lack of flexibility – Robots follow programmed
hazardous environments, reducing risk to instructions and may struggle to adapt to
human workers. unexpected changes.

Enhances customer service – AI-powered Technical issues – If robots malfunction,

robots (e.g., chatbots) provide instant support. production can be disrupted.
Technology Description Example of Use

Computer-aided The use of computers to create 2D or 3D product Car manufacturers use CAD to design new
design (CAD) designs. It helps businesses develop and test vehicle models before making prototypes.
designs before production.

Computer-aided The use of computers to control machinery and Clothing manufacturers use CAM to cut
manufacturing (CAM) production processes, improving efficiency and fabric with precision and reduce waste.
reducing errors.

Computer-integrated A fully automated manufacturing system where Car factories use CIM for assembling
manufacturing (CIM) all processes are controlled by computers, vehicles with robotic arms.
reducing the need for human labor.

Amazon uses drones for fast package

Drones Unmanned aircraft used for business tasks like deliveries. Farms use drones to check crops
delivery, security, and monitoring. and spray pesticides.

The use of computer systems to perform tasks

Artificial intelligence Chatbots on websites use AI to answer
(AI) that require human intelligence, such as speech customer questions automatically.
recognition and decision-making.
Robotics
Computer-aided
design (CAD)
 Computer
numerically
controlled
machines (CNC)
 Computer aided
manufacturing (CAM)
Computer integrated
manufacturing (CIM)
 Technology in Tertiary Sector
Tertiary sector has been dominated by labour-intensive production.
New technologies are being introduced now:
• Automatic teller machines (ATMs)
• Electronic funds transfer at point of sale (EFTPOS)
• Information technology (IT) for research
• Internet and media for advertising
• E-commerce
Costs and Benefits of New Technology
 Cost, Productivity, Quality and Flexibility of Technology
Factor Impact Example
Purchasing, installing, and maintaining robots Car manufacturers like Tesla invest millions in
Technology Costs and machinery is expensive. Businesses may automation but recover costs through mass
need loans, increasing debt. production.
Employees need training to operate new
technology, causing temporary disruptions. When supermarkets introduce self-checkout
Training & Downtime Installation also takes time, reducing short- machines, staff must be trained, reducing
term output. efficiency initially.
Automation increases output per worker, but Amazon’s warehouses use robots to sort and
Productivity only if high levels of production justify the pack orders faster, reducing human labor
costs. costs.
Robots improve accuracy and reduce human Apple uses robots in iPhone assembly to
Quality
errors, leading to consistent product quality. ensure precision and reduce defects.

Some technologies allow quick adaptation to 3D printing in manufacturing allows

Flexibility different products (retooling), but the most businesses to switch designs easily, but
flexible systems are often the most expensive. printers are costly.

Standardised vs. Robots are most effective for mass production Toyota uses automation for mass-producing
Customised of identical products. Customisation may be cars but relies on skilled workers for custom
Production harder with automation. features.
Demonstrate – which technology was used to create this?
Demonstrate – which technology was used to create this?

CAD
Demonstrate – which technology was used to create this?
Demonstrate – which technology was used to create this?

CNC
Demonstrate – WHAT IS THIS AN EXAMPLE OF? LIKELY BENEIFITS?
Demonstrate – WHAT IS THIS AN EXAMPLE OF? LIKELY BENEIFITS?

Meet Dubai Police's volunteer robot:

Amal! She's helping fight drug abuse
Demonstrate – WHAT IS THIS AN EXAMPLE OF? LIKELY BENEFITS?
Demonstrate – WHAT IS THIS AN EXAMPLE OF? LIKELY BENEIFITS?

CAM
CIM