(SEM IV) THEORY EXAMINATION 2023-24 AUTOMATION AND ROBOTICS

This document is a B.Tech Theory Examination Question Paper for a subject related to Automation, Robotics, and Flexible Manufacturing Systems.
It is a 3-hour, 70-mark examination designed to evaluate a student’s understanding of automation levels, industrial robotics, Industry 4.0, sensors, actuators, robot kinematics, CIM (Computer Integrated Manufacturing), FMS (Flexible Manufacturing Systems), logic control, and social/industrial implications of robotics.

The paper is divided into three structured sections—A, B, and C—covering short conceptual definitions, analytical descriptions, and application-based long answers.

SECTION A – Short Answer Questions (14 Marks)

Seven short questions (2 marks each) covering fundamentals of automation and robotics:

Levels of automation (device-level → enterprise-level)

Role of automation in Industry 4.0 (IoT, cyber-physical systems, smart factories)

Meaning of robot payload capacity                     Definition of sensor

Definition of a hard-wire system                          Meaning of Group Technology (GT)

Benefits of using robots in welding (accuracy, repeatability, safety)

This section evaluates basic concepts and introductory knowledge.

SECTION B – Descriptive Questions (21 Marks)

Student must attempt any three of the following 7-mark questions:

a. Closed Loop vs Open Loop Systems

Explains sensing, feedback control, error correction (closed-loop) vs no feedback and direct command execution (open-loop).

b. Robot Applications – Advantages & Limitations

Covers precision, productivity, safety, cost savings, but also high investment cost, complex maintenance, risk of job reduction.

c. Sensors in Humanoid Robots

Includes:

Vision sensors                                       Proximity sensors

Force/torque sensors                            Gyroscope & accelerometers

Touch sensors                                       Infrared & ultrasonic sensors

d. Components of Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM)

Includes CAD, CAM, robotics, PLC, AGVs, databases, production control software, scheduling systems.

e. Medical Applications of Automation & Robotics

Covers robotic surgeries, rehabilitation robots, medical imaging automation, drug dispensing, micro-robots, hospital automation.

This section tests analytical thinking and structured explanation skills.

SECTION C – Long Answer / Application-Oriented Questions (35 Marks Total)

Each question contains two options; students must attempt one option from each question.

3. Manual Labor vs USA Principle (7 Marks)

Option (a)
Three situations where manual labor is preferred:

Low production volume                                                          High customization work

Delicate or variable tasks requiring human judgment            Economically impractical automation

Option (b)
The USA Principle:

U – Understand the process

S – Simplify the process

A – Automate the process
Explained with examples of assembly or packaging tasks.

4. Robot Joints / Kinematics (7 Marks)

Option (a)
Types of robot joints:

Revolute                               Prismatic

Cylindrical                            Spherical

SCARA joint
Includes sketches and explanation of DOF (Degrees of Freedom).

Option (b)
Explain:

Forward Kinematics: determining end-effector position from joint angles

Inverse Kinematics: determining joint angles from desired end-effector position

5. Ladder Logic / Actuators (7 Marks)

Option (a)
Basic ladder logic functions: AND, OR, NOT, latch, timers, counters.

Option (b)
Definition and classification of actuators, including:

Electrical actuators (motors, solenoids)

Hydraulic actuators                  Pneumatic actuators

Piezoelectric and linear actuators
Explains their functions in robotic motion and control.

6. FMS Flexibility & Material Handling (7 Marks)

Option (a)
Three capabilities required for flexibility:

Machine flexibility                       Routing flexibility

Product flexibility                        Volume / expansion flexibility

Option (b)
Five functions of material handling & storage system:

Movement of material                 Storing WIP (Work In Progress)

Loading/unloading                      Positioning

Scheduling & routing                  Safety and automation support

7. Social Implications / Work Cell Design (7 Marks)

Option (a)
Implications of using robots for household tasks in India:

Reduced domestic workload          Increased efficiency

Socio-economic changes               New job sectors in service robotics

Cost and cultural acceptance issues

Option (b)
Create a robotic work cell for a specific task (e.g., packaging, inspection, sorting, welding), describing:

Robot type                                 Sensors

Fixtures                                      Safety barriers

Material flow                             Control system

Overall Purpose of the Document

This exam paper evaluates student's understanding of:

Automation technology and Industry 4.0 concepts

Robotic components, sensors, actuators, and drive systems

Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) and Flexible Manufacturing Systems (FMS)

Robot kinematics and control systems

Ladder logic and industrial control

Applications of robots in industry, medicine, and society

Engineering analysis, system design, and real-world automation reasoning

It includes definitions, analytical explanations, robotics diagrams, control logic concepts, and application-based engineering problems, ensuring comprehensive assessment of Automation & Robotics.