Automated and emerging technologies: past paper questions
Real questions on automated and emerging technologies
The newest 20 of 51 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 0478/11 · May/June 2026 · Q7c(i)[1]
Give one other characteristic of the robot animal that makes it a robot.
See it on the paper → - 0478/11 · May/June 2026 · Q7c(ii)[3]
The sensor continuously sends digitised data to the microprocessor. Describe how the microprocessor uses the data from the sensor to stop the robot animal when an object is less than 10 cm away.
See it on the paper → - 0478/11 · May/June 2026 · Q7d[4]
The robot animal uses artificial intelligence (AI). Explain how the robot animal can use AI to learn where objects are in a room.
See it on the paper → - 0478/12 · May/June 2026 · Q6b[4]
The app uses artificial intelligence (AI) to identify the name of the flower. Explain how the app can use AI to improve its ability to identify the correct name of the flower.
See it on the paper → - 0478/13 · May/June 2026 · Q6a[1]
One characteristic of the AI is that it can adapt and learn. Give one other characteristic of the AI.
See it on the paper → - 0478/13 · May/June 2026 · Q6b[1]
The AI uses machine learning. State what is meant by machine learning.
See it on the paper → - 0478/13 · May/June 2026 · Q6c[2]
Explain one example of how the AI could use machine learning to create extra characters.
See it on the paper → - 0478/13 · May/June 2026 · Q6d[3]
The computer game has an expert system that can be used to find a solution to any problems with the game. The expert system uses an inference engine. Explain the role of the inference engine in finding a solution to a problem with the game.
See it on the paper → - 0478/12 · February/March 2026 · Q3a[2]
The drone is a robot. Give two characteristics of the drone that identify it as a robot.
See it on the paper → - 0478/12 · February/March 2026 · Q3b(i)[1]
Identify one sensor that could be built into the drone to detect if it is near an object. (i)
See it on the paper → - 0478/12 · February/March 2026 · Q3b(ii)[1]
State what is meant by a microprocessor. (ii)
See it on the paper → - 0478/12 · February/March 2026 · Q3b(iii)[4]
Explain how the sensor and microprocessor work together to stop the drone crashing into an object.
See it on the paper → - 0478/11 · October/November 2025 · Q5a[3]
Describe the characteristics of a robot.
See it on the paper → - 0478/11 · October/November 2025 · Q5b[2]
Explain one benefit to the supermarket of using robots to deliver groceries to elderly customers.
See it on the paper → - 0478/11 · October/November 2025 · Q5c[2]
Explain one drawback to the elderly customers of robots being used to deliver their groceries.
See it on the paper → - 0478/11 · October/November 2025 · Q5e[3]
The robots have artificial intelligence (AI). Give three ways the robots could make use of AI.
See it on the paper → - 0478/12 · October/November 2025 · Q7a[3]
The smart speaker cannot be described as a robot. Explain why the smart speaker is not a robot.
See it on the paper → - 0478/12 · October/November 2025 · Q7c[4]
The smart speaker has machine learning capabilities. Explain how the smart speaker can use machine learning to improve the voice command input.
See it on the paper → - 0478/11 · May/June 2025 · Q8a[1]
One characteristic of the robot is that it has a mechanical structure. Give one other characteristic of a robot.
See it on the paper → - 0478/11 · May/June 2025 · Q8e[1]
The robots have the ability to automatically adapt their own processes. State the name of the ability described.
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
Comprehensive responses • Many candidates provided at least one characteristic of a drone. Candidates often provided two or more characteristics. Limited responses • Some candidates described the features of an embedded system and justified why a drone is an embedded system instead of a robot. • Some candidates described the actions of the drone and how it worked, instead of its characteristics r...
— Examiner report, February/March 2026, 0478/12 Q3(a) (Cambridge)
Comprehensive responses • Many candidates gave an appropriate sensor for the drone. Limited responses • Some candidates gave motion or movement sensor. These terms require more precision as to that actual type of sensor within it, for example infra-red. The drone also does not only detect movement because the drone itself is moving and therefore this would not be appropriate.
— Examiner report, February/March 2026, 0478/12 Q3(b)(i) (Cambridge)
Comprehensive responses • Some candidates identified the key features of a microprocessor. Limited responses • Some candidates described the features of a CPU or other processor that was not a microprocessor, for example a device that performs the FDE cycle, without clarifying what makes it a microprocessor. • Some candidates linked a microprocessor to an embedded system and defined an embedded s...
— Examiner report, February/March 2026, 0478/12 Q3(b)(ii) (Cambridge)
Past papers, syllabus and examiner reports © UCLES (Cambridge University Press & Assessment). Questions are matched to topics from the official syllabus. AssessPro is independent and not endorsed by Cambridge.