Modern Technologies Supporting Product Function

Modern technologies have made it possible for products to contain embedded programmable components that react to environmental or user inputs. These technologies enable smarter, more interactive products across various sectors such as health, sport, home and transport.

• Programmable components are small, low-power devices that control a product’s behaviour based on input signals.
• Inputs can include buttons, sensors, temperature, light, movement, pressure, sound etc.
• They are programmed with logic (code) to carry out tasks such as switching, timing, displaying, alerting or moving.

Application	Input	Output
Automatic hand dryer	Infrared motion sensor	Activates motor and heater
Smartwatch	Touchscreen, accelerometer, heart rate sensor	Displays time, alerts, health tracking
Smart thermostat	Temperature sensor	Turns heating/cooling on/off
Robotic vacuum cleaner	Obstacle sensors, time programming	Autonomous movement and cleaning

Advantages	Disadvantages
Enable automation and responsiveness Customisable to suit various needs Energy-efficient operation Improve user experience	Require programming knowledge Can increase development cost Need power supply (battery or mains) Maintenance and updates needed

Interactive flashcards: