A2.1 Automating a large system
Automating a system means writing code that runs its steps without a person at each one: read a sensor, decide, act, repeat. A repeat runs a step a set number of times; a read brings in the world's value; the order of the steps is the design.
Example
Trace the warehouse program when the sensor reads five, and say what one more repeat would change.
- Crates: zero, then two, four, six after three repeats.
- Level is read from the sensor: five. Output: six, then five.
- One more repeat: crates would print eight; the sensor value is unchanged.
A2.2 Coding, AI and the trades
Example
Describe what changes for a welder with an AI-guided welding arm.
- Welder: the arm lays a repeatable bead; the welder sets it up, checks the weld, and handles the joints the arm cannot reach.
Example
Describe what changes for a plumber with a printed replacement part.
- Plumber: a part printed to fit replaces a week's wait for a shipped one, so the repair finishes the same day.
Example
Describe what changes for haul-truck operators with self-driving trucks.
- Operators: trucks run the haul road around the clock; the operators move to monitoring and maintenance. Each is a capability and a consequence for where the work goes.
Summary
- Read, decide, act, repeat.
- Order is the design; a repeat scales a step.
- AI and printing shift trades work toward setup, checking and maintenance.