O Level / IGCSE Computer Science chapter 6: Automated and emerging technologies MCQs with answers
By Team Megalecture · Updated 4 Nov 2026
25 exam-style questions on Automated and emerging technologies, each with the answer and a short explanation. Ten of them are below to try. The chapter test draws ten fresh questions each time and is marked the moment you finish, with your score by topic.
Ten Automated and emerging technologies questions with answers
Try each one, then open the answer. These ten stay the same; the test draws new ones every time.
1. A robot vacuum cleaner stops before it hits a wall. Which of its components allows this?
A
its mechanical framework
B
a sensor that detects the obstacle, sending data to its microprocessor
C
its rechargeable battery
D
the actuator that turns the brushes and moves the robot across the floor
Show answer
Answer: B. Sensors (such as infra-red or proximity sensors) detect obstacles and send data to the microprocessor, which then controls the motors to stop or turn.
2. Which is a disadvantage of an automated system?
A
it gives more consistent results
B
it can operate in dangerous environments
C
it has a high initial set-up cost
D
it can work without breaks
Show answer
Answer: C. Automated systems are expensive to buy, install and maintain. The other options are advantages.
3. What is stored in the knowledge base of an expert system?
A
the questions shown to the user
B
facts about the subject, gathered from human experts
C
the program that checks the user’s password before they can log in
D
the user’s answers only
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Answer: B. The knowledge base stores the facts (knowledge) collected from experts. The rules for using them are in the rule base.
4. What is a key difference between a basic expert system and machine learning?
A
expert system rules are set by experts; machine learning adapts its own processes from data
B
an expert system has no interface; machine learning has no data
C
expert systems learn automatically from new data; machine learning programs can never change
D
there is no difference
Show answer
Answer: A. Expert systems rely on a fixed knowledge base and rule base from experts. Machine learning changes its own behaviour as it processes more data.
5. What is meant by robotics?
A
the use of computers and databases to store and process large amounts of data about machines
B
writing computer programs that are able to learn from data and improve over time
C
the study of computer networks
D
the branch of computer science covering the design, construction and operation of robots
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Answer: D. Robotics covers designing, building and operating robots, such as factory equipment, domestic robots and drones.
6. In an expert system, which component applies the rules to the facts to reach a conclusion?
A
knowledge base
B
interface
C
inference engine
D
rule base
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Answer: C. The inference engine uses the rules in the rule base on the facts in the knowledge base to reach conclusions. The rule base only stores the rules.
7. Which of these is a characteristic of a robot?
A
it must be shaped like a human
B
it must be able to think for itself and make decisions without ever being programmed by a person
C
it has a mechanical structure, electrical parts such as sensors and actuators, and is programmable
D
it can only be used in factories
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Answer: C. A robot has a mechanical framework, electrical parts (sensors, microprocessor, actuators) and is programmable. It does not need to look human or to be intelligent.
8. A city introduces driverless trains. Which is a disadvantage of this automated system?
A
the control system could be hacked, and passengers may not trust it
B
trains can run more frequently and on time
C
energy use can be reduced because the trains accelerate and brake more smoothly
D
human error by drivers is removed
Show answer
Answer: A. Risks of hacking or system failure, and public concern about safety, are disadvantages. The other options are advantages of automated transport.
9. Which is one of the main characteristics of AI?
A
it can only follow a fixed list of steps that has been written in advance by a programmer
B
it has the ability to reason, and it can include the ability to learn and adapt
C
it must have a mechanical structure
D
it can only process numbers
Show answer
Answer: B. AI systems collect data and have rules for using it, can reason, and may learn and adapt. A mechanical structure is a characteristic of robots, not of AI.
10. Why does a robot need to be programmable?
A
so its tasks can be set or changed by giving it instructions
B
so it can be powered without needing electricity or batteries
C
so it can be made in a human shape
D
so it can connect to the internet
Show answer
Answer: A. Being programmable means a robot follows instructions that can be changed, allowing it to carry out different tasks.
Automated and emerging technologies: questions students ask
How many Automated and emerging technologies MCQs are there?
25, each with the answer and a short explanation, across 3 topics: Automated systems, Robotics, Artificial intelligence. Every chapter test draws ten of them, so you can take it many times.
Is the O Level / IGCSE Computer Science chapter 6 test free?
Yes. The test, the answers and the explanations are free and need no sign-up. Sign in only if you want your scores kept across devices.
How is the chapter test marked?
The moment you press Finish: your score, the right answer and an explanation for every question, and the ones you got wrong saved in My mistakes to retry.
