Automated systems

An automated system is a computer-controlled setup where sensors, microprocessors, actuators, and networks work together to collect data, make decisions, and control devices without constant human input.
Types of automated systems:
- Sensors: detect and collect data from the environment like temperature, motion, light, and proximity (e.g. security alarms, automatic lights, parking assist).
- Controllers/microprocessors: process input from sensors and run programs/ algorithms to send commands to actuators.
- Actuators: carry out physical actions based on commands (e.g. moving robot arms, heating boilers, speakers, and alarms).
- Communication networks: allow different components to exchange information, either through wired connection (e.g. Ethernet, USB) or wireless connection (e.g. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth). This may include internet access for remote monitoring.
- Human–machine interface (HMI): the way users interact with the system (e.g. touchscreens, buttons, mobile apps, and dashboards).

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