Automated systems, robotics and AI — GCSE Computer Science practice questions

Question 1

A vineyard in a dry region uses an automated irrigation system. Water is pumped to the vines only when the soil around their roots has become too dry.

Which sensor should the system use to decide when to water the vines?

Accepted Answer

C: Moisture sensor. A moisture sensor measures how much water is in the soil, which is exactly the condition that decides whether the vines need watering. A humidity sensor measures water vapour in the air, a level sensor measures the height of a liquid in a container, and a pressure sensor measures force or weight.

Question 2

A football video game has a computer-controlled goalkeeper that uses artificial intelligence (AI).

Which behaviour shows that the goalkeeper can **learn and adapt**?

Accepted Answer

B: After the player scores several times into the top corner, it starts to guard that corner more closely.. Guarding the top corner more closely after conceding there shows the goalkeeper has collected data about the player's shots and changed its own behaviour, which is learning and adapting. Always diving the same way is fixed, 3D animation is graphics, and reacting to a button press is simply following a rule.

Question 3

A language-learning app says it uses machine learning to make its lessons fit each learner.

Which statement describes machine learning in this app?

Accepted Answer

B: The app records which words each learner gets wrong and automatically shows those words more often, without anyone reprogramming it.. In machine learning the program automatically adapts its own processes or data using what it collects, here the words each learner gets wrong, without a programmer changing it. A programmer adding rules is ordinary maintenance, a fixed lesson order does not adapt at all, and using a rule base to diagnose is an expert system.