Evaluate an automated system's trade-offs
Judge the benefits and drawbacks of automation in the context where it operates.
This sequence follows Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science 0478, 2026–2028 syllabus Version 6. It covers subject content sections 6.1–6.3 only. The separately published 2029–2031 syllabus is not mapped here. Practice is original, self-checked and does not award an official Cambridge grade. Full timed papers and human subject-teacher review remain outstanding.
Before you begin
- No programming language is required. Be comfortable with place value and multiplication; each lesson introduces the computer-science notation it uses.
Work on paper. Try each question before revealing help, and explain why your method works.
Quick readiness check
Which is a possible automation benefit?
What you will learn
- Explain speed, consistency or continuous-operation benefits
- Explain cost, failure or job-impact drawbacks
- Reach a context-based judgement
Evaluate the actual scenario
Automation can repeat a task quickly and consistently, operate continuously, and perform hazardous or repetitive work. A well-specified system may measure and respond more precisely than a person performing the same repeated task.
Apply and check the rule
However, design and maintenance cost money; sensor, software or power failure can cause errors; people may lose some roles or require retraining; and unexpected conditions can make fixed rules unsuitable. A balanced evaluation explains which benefit matters most in the scenario and how the main risk could be managed.
Pause and explain
An automated traffic signal depends on a faulty sensor. What is a relevant drawback?
Worked example
A factory automates a repetitive packing line. Give one benefit and one drawback.
Show the worked solution
- The robot can repeat the same movement quickly and consistently.
- Installation and maintenance are costly.
- Workers may need new roles or training.
Answer Automation can improve speed and consistency, but the system costs money to maintain and may change the roles available to workers.
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Choose Easy, Normal or Difficult. Save your answers and open worked review after finishing.
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Write your answer and reasoning first. Use a hint only if you are stuck. The model solution is for self-checking; your written work is not automatically marked.
Give one advantage and one disadvantage of automated lighting in a large building.
Give me a hint
Connect each point to operation of the lights.
Compare my reasoning
- Sensors can switch lights consistently when spaces are occupied.
- Faulty sensors or high installation costs can create problems.
- Maintenance and manual overrides may be needed.
It can reduce unnecessary lighting and operate consistently, but installation and sensor failures can be costly and require a manual override.
Look for these in your work
- Relevant advantage
- Relevant drawback
- Mitigation
A farm automates irrigation. Explain one benefit and one risk that depends on sensor accuracy.
Give me a hint
Consider repetitive monitoring and an incorrect reading.
Compare my reasoning
- Automated control can water crops without constant manual checks.
- An inaccurate soil sensor could cause overwatering or drought.
- Calibration and periodic inspection reduce this risk.
Automation saves repeated checks, but inaccurate soil readings can harm crops; calibrate and inspect the sensors.
Look for these in your work
- Scenario benefit
- Sensor-linked risk
- Mitigation
A manager claims automated systems are always better because they work faster. Evaluate the claim for a weather-monitoring service.
Give me a hint
Balance coverage and speed against reliability and human judgement.
Compare my reasoning
- Automation can collect readings continuously and issue rapid alerts.
- Sensor or power failure can create missing or incorrect data.
- Human monitoring, backup power and validation can reduce risk; the choice depends on the service's response needs.
The system can monitor continuously and alert quickly, but unreliable inputs or power failure can mislead users. Use backup sensors and human review for important alerts; automation is useful only when reliability and response requirements justify it.
Look for these in your work
- Benefit in context
- Risk in context
- Reasoned judgement
Common mistakes
- Saying automation is always cheaper
- Listing a benefit without connecting it to the scenario
What can you explain now?
Why should automation be evaluated in context?
Compare with the explanation
Its benefits and risks depend on the task and operating conditions
The same feature may be valuable in one setting and risky or unnecessary in another.
After trying it yourself, choose your next review. This is your self-assessment.
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Make it stick
Name two benefits and two risks of automation, then state how context affects the judgement.
If you needed the solution, close it and solve the problem again from a blank page. A correct answer is stronger when you can explain the reason for each step.