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.
