NCERT Textbook: Emerging Trends | Computer Science for Class 11 - Humanities/Arts PDF Download

 Page 1


3.1 Introduct Ion Computers have been around for quite some time 
now. New technologies and initiatives emerge with 
each passing day. In order to understand the existing 
technologies and have a better view of the developments 
around us, we must keep an eye on the emerging trends. 
Many new technologies are introduced almost every day. 
Some of these do not succeed and fade away over time. 
Some of these new technologies prosper and persist over 
time, gaining attention from users. Emerging trends are 
the state-of-the-art technologies, which gain popularity 
and set a new trend among users. In this chapter, we 
will learn about some emerging trends that will make 
a huge impact (in the future) on digital economy and 
interaction in digital societies.
3.2 Art If Ic IAl Intell Igence (AI) 
Have you ever wondered how maps in your smartphone 
are able to guide you to take the fastest route to your 
destination by analysing real time data, such as traffic 
congestion? On uploading a photo on a social networking 
site, has it ever happened that your friends in the 
photograph were recognised and tagged automatically? 
These are some of the examples of application of 
Artificial Intelligence. The intelligent digital personal 
assistants like Siri, Google Now, Cortana, Alexa are 
all powered by AI. Artificial Intelligence endeavours to 
simulate the natural intelligence of human beings into 
machines, thus making them behave intelligently. An 
intelligent machine is supposed to imitate some of the 
cognitive functions of humans like learning, decision-
making and problem solving. In order to make machines 
perform tasks with minimum human intervention, they 
are programmed to create a knowledge base and make 
“Computer science is no more 
about computers than as-
tronomy is about telescopes” 
–Edsger Dijkstra
Chapter 3 
Emerging Trends
In this chapter
 » Introduction
 » Artificial Intelligence 
(AI) 
 » Big Data 
 » Internet of Things 
(IoT)
 » Cloud Computing 
 » Grid Computing
 » Blockchains 
Ch 3.indd   45 08-Apr-19   11:41:14 AM
2024-25
Page 2


3.1 Introduct Ion Computers have been around for quite some time 
now. New technologies and initiatives emerge with 
each passing day. In order to understand the existing 
technologies and have a better view of the developments 
around us, we must keep an eye on the emerging trends. 
Many new technologies are introduced almost every day. 
Some of these do not succeed and fade away over time. 
Some of these new technologies prosper and persist over 
time, gaining attention from users. Emerging trends are 
the state-of-the-art technologies, which gain popularity 
and set a new trend among users. In this chapter, we 
will learn about some emerging trends that will make 
a huge impact (in the future) on digital economy and 
interaction in digital societies.
3.2 Art If Ic IAl Intell Igence (AI) 
Have you ever wondered how maps in your smartphone 
are able to guide you to take the fastest route to your 
destination by analysing real time data, such as traffic 
congestion? On uploading a photo on a social networking 
site, has it ever happened that your friends in the 
photograph were recognised and tagged automatically? 
These are some of the examples of application of 
Artificial Intelligence. The intelligent digital personal 
assistants like Siri, Google Now, Cortana, Alexa are 
all powered by AI. Artificial Intelligence endeavours to 
simulate the natural intelligence of human beings into 
machines, thus making them behave intelligently. An 
intelligent machine is supposed to imitate some of the 
cognitive functions of humans like learning, decision-
making and problem solving. In order to make machines 
perform tasks with minimum human intervention, they 
are programmed to create a knowledge base and make 
“Computer science is no more 
about computers than as-
tronomy is about telescopes” 
–Edsger Dijkstra
Chapter 3 
Emerging Trends
In this chapter
 » Introduction
 » Artificial Intelligence 
(AI) 
 » Big Data 
 » Internet of Things 
(IoT)
 » Cloud Computing 
 » Grid Computing
 » Blockchains 
Ch 3.indd   45 08-Apr-19   11:41:14 AM
2024-25
Computer SCien Ce – Cla SS xi 46
A knowledge base is 
a store of information 
consisting of facts, 
assumptions and rules 
which an AI system 
can use for decision 
making.
decisions based on it. AI system can also learn from 
past experiences or outcomes to make new decisions.
3.2.1 Machine Learning
Machine Learning is a subsystem of Artificial 
Intelligence, wherein computers have the ability to learn 
from data using statistical techniques, without being 
explicitly programmed by a human being. It comprises 
algorithms that use data to learn on their own and 
make predictions. These algorithms called models, are 
first trained and tested using a training data and testing 
data, respectively. After successive trainings, once these 
models are able to give results to an acceptable level of 
accuracy, they are used to make predictions about new 
and unknown data.
3.2.2 Natural Language Processing (NLP) 
The predictive typing feature of search engine that 
helps us by suggesting the next word in the sentence 
while typing keywords and the spell checking features 
are examples of Natural Language Processing (NLP). 
It deals with the interaction between human and 
computers using human spoken languages, such as 
Hindi, English, etc.
In fact it is possible to search the web or operate or 
control our devices using our voice. All this has been 
possible by NLP. An NLP system can perform text-to-
speech and speech-to-text conversion as depicted in 
Figure 3.1. 
Machine translation is a rapidly emerging field 
where machines are already 
able to translate texts from one 
language to another with fair 
amount of correctness. Another 
emerging application area is 
automated customer  service 
where a computer software can 
interact with customers to serve 
their queries or complaints.
3.2.3 Immersive Experiences 
With the three-dimensional (3D) videography, the 
joy of watching movies in theatres has reached to 
a new level. Video games are also being developed to  
Figure 3.1: Use of natural language processing
Activity 3.1
Find out how NLP is 
helping differently-
abled persons? 
Ch 3.indd   46 08-Apr-19   11:41:14 AM
2024-25
Page 3


3.1 Introduct Ion Computers have been around for quite some time 
now. New technologies and initiatives emerge with 
each passing day. In order to understand the existing 
technologies and have a better view of the developments 
around us, we must keep an eye on the emerging trends. 
Many new technologies are introduced almost every day. 
Some of these do not succeed and fade away over time. 
Some of these new technologies prosper and persist over 
time, gaining attention from users. Emerging trends are 
the state-of-the-art technologies, which gain popularity 
and set a new trend among users. In this chapter, we 
will learn about some emerging trends that will make 
a huge impact (in the future) on digital economy and 
interaction in digital societies.
3.2 Art If Ic IAl Intell Igence (AI) 
Have you ever wondered how maps in your smartphone 
are able to guide you to take the fastest route to your 
destination by analysing real time data, such as traffic 
congestion? On uploading a photo on a social networking 
site, has it ever happened that your friends in the 
photograph were recognised and tagged automatically? 
These are some of the examples of application of 
Artificial Intelligence. The intelligent digital personal 
assistants like Siri, Google Now, Cortana, Alexa are 
all powered by AI. Artificial Intelligence endeavours to 
simulate the natural intelligence of human beings into 
machines, thus making them behave intelligently. An 
intelligent machine is supposed to imitate some of the 
cognitive functions of humans like learning, decision-
making and problem solving. In order to make machines 
perform tasks with minimum human intervention, they 
are programmed to create a knowledge base and make 
“Computer science is no more 
about computers than as-
tronomy is about telescopes” 
–Edsger Dijkstra
Chapter 3 
Emerging Trends
In this chapter
 » Introduction
 » Artificial Intelligence 
(AI) 
 » Big Data 
 » Internet of Things 
(IoT)
 » Cloud Computing 
 » Grid Computing
 » Blockchains 
Ch 3.indd   45 08-Apr-19   11:41:14 AM
2024-25
Computer SCien Ce – Cla SS xi 46
A knowledge base is 
a store of information 
consisting of facts, 
assumptions and rules 
which an AI system 
can use for decision 
making.
decisions based on it. AI system can also learn from 
past experiences or outcomes to make new decisions.
3.2.1 Machine Learning
Machine Learning is a subsystem of Artificial 
Intelligence, wherein computers have the ability to learn 
from data using statistical techniques, without being 
explicitly programmed by a human being. It comprises 
algorithms that use data to learn on their own and 
make predictions. These algorithms called models, are 
first trained and tested using a training data and testing 
data, respectively. After successive trainings, once these 
models are able to give results to an acceptable level of 
accuracy, they are used to make predictions about new 
and unknown data.
3.2.2 Natural Language Processing (NLP) 
The predictive typing feature of search engine that 
helps us by suggesting the next word in the sentence 
while typing keywords and the spell checking features 
are examples of Natural Language Processing (NLP). 
It deals with the interaction between human and 
computers using human spoken languages, such as 
Hindi, English, etc.
In fact it is possible to search the web or operate or 
control our devices using our voice. All this has been 
possible by NLP. An NLP system can perform text-to-
speech and speech-to-text conversion as depicted in 
Figure 3.1. 
Machine translation is a rapidly emerging field 
where machines are already 
able to translate texts from one 
language to another with fair 
amount of correctness. Another 
emerging application area is 
automated customer  service 
where a computer software can 
interact with customers to serve 
their queries or complaints.
3.2.3 Immersive Experiences 
With the three-dimensional (3D) videography, the 
joy of watching movies in theatres has reached to 
a new level. Video games are also being developed to  
Figure 3.1: Use of natural language processing
Activity 3.1
Find out how NLP is 
helping differently-
abled persons? 
Ch 3.indd   46 08-Apr-19   11:41:14 AM
2024-25
Em Erging Tr Ends 47
provide immersive experiences to the player. Immersive 
experiences allow us to visualise, feel and react by 
stimulating our senses. It enhances our interaction 
and involvement, making them more realistic and 
engaging. Immersive experiences have been used 
in the field of training, such as driving simulators 
(Figure 3.2), flight simulator and so on. Immersive 
experience can be achieved using virtual reality and 
augmented reality.
(A) Virtual Reality 
Everything that we experience in our reality is perceived 
through our senses. From this came the idea that 
if we can present our senses with made-up or non-
real information, our perception of reality would also 
alter in response to that. Virtual Reality (VR) is a 
three-dimensional, computer-generated situation that 
simulates the real world. The user can interact with and 
explore that environment by getting immersed in it while 
interacting with the objects and other actions of the user. 
At present, it is achieved with the help of VR Headsets. 
In order to make the experience of VR more realistic, it 
promotes other sensory information like sound, smell, 
motion, temperature, etc. It is a comparatively new field 
and has found its applications in gaming (Figure 3.3), 
military training, medical procedures, entertainment, 
social science and psychology, engineering and 
other areas where simulation is needed for a better 
understanding and learning.
(B) Augmented Reality 
The superimposition of computer generated perceptual 
information over the existing physical surroundings is 
called as Augmented Reality (AR). It adds components 
of the digital world to the physical world, along with 
the associated tactile and other sensory requirements, 
thereby making the environment interactive and digitally 
manipulable. Users can access information about the 
nearest places with reference to their current location. 
They can get information about places and choose on 
the basis of user reviews. With help of location-based 
AR App, travellers can access real-time information of 
historical places just by pointing their camera viewfinder 
to subjects as depicted in Figure 3.4. Location-based 
AR apps are major forms of AR apps. 
Figure 3.2: Driving simulator
Figure 3.3: Virtual Reality 
Headset
Figure 3.4: Location-based 
Augmented Reality
Unlike Virtual Reality, the 
Augmented Reality does not 
create something new, it 
just alters or augments the 
perception of the underlying 
physical world through 
additional information. 
Ch 3.indd   47 08-Apr-19   11:41:16 AM
2024-25
Page 4


3.1 Introduct Ion Computers have been around for quite some time 
now. New technologies and initiatives emerge with 
each passing day. In order to understand the existing 
technologies and have a better view of the developments 
around us, we must keep an eye on the emerging trends. 
Many new technologies are introduced almost every day. 
Some of these do not succeed and fade away over time. 
Some of these new technologies prosper and persist over 
time, gaining attention from users. Emerging trends are 
the state-of-the-art technologies, which gain popularity 
and set a new trend among users. In this chapter, we 
will learn about some emerging trends that will make 
a huge impact (in the future) on digital economy and 
interaction in digital societies.
3.2 Art If Ic IAl Intell Igence (AI) 
Have you ever wondered how maps in your smartphone 
are able to guide you to take the fastest route to your 
destination by analysing real time data, such as traffic 
congestion? On uploading a photo on a social networking 
site, has it ever happened that your friends in the 
photograph were recognised and tagged automatically? 
These are some of the examples of application of 
Artificial Intelligence. The intelligent digital personal 
assistants like Siri, Google Now, Cortana, Alexa are 
all powered by AI. Artificial Intelligence endeavours to 
simulate the natural intelligence of human beings into 
machines, thus making them behave intelligently. An 
intelligent machine is supposed to imitate some of the 
cognitive functions of humans like learning, decision-
making and problem solving. In order to make machines 
perform tasks with minimum human intervention, they 
are programmed to create a knowledge base and make 
“Computer science is no more 
about computers than as-
tronomy is about telescopes” 
–Edsger Dijkstra
Chapter 3 
Emerging Trends
In this chapter
 » Introduction
 » Artificial Intelligence 
(AI) 
 » Big Data 
 » Internet of Things 
(IoT)
 » Cloud Computing 
 » Grid Computing
 » Blockchains 
Ch 3.indd   45 08-Apr-19   11:41:14 AM
2024-25
Computer SCien Ce – Cla SS xi 46
A knowledge base is 
a store of information 
consisting of facts, 
assumptions and rules 
which an AI system 
can use for decision 
making.
decisions based on it. AI system can also learn from 
past experiences or outcomes to make new decisions.
3.2.1 Machine Learning
Machine Learning is a subsystem of Artificial 
Intelligence, wherein computers have the ability to learn 
from data using statistical techniques, without being 
explicitly programmed by a human being. It comprises 
algorithms that use data to learn on their own and 
make predictions. These algorithms called models, are 
first trained and tested using a training data and testing 
data, respectively. After successive trainings, once these 
models are able to give results to an acceptable level of 
accuracy, they are used to make predictions about new 
and unknown data.
3.2.2 Natural Language Processing (NLP) 
The predictive typing feature of search engine that 
helps us by suggesting the next word in the sentence 
while typing keywords and the spell checking features 
are examples of Natural Language Processing (NLP). 
It deals with the interaction between human and 
computers using human spoken languages, such as 
Hindi, English, etc.
In fact it is possible to search the web or operate or 
control our devices using our voice. All this has been 
possible by NLP. An NLP system can perform text-to-
speech and speech-to-text conversion as depicted in 
Figure 3.1. 
Machine translation is a rapidly emerging field 
where machines are already 
able to translate texts from one 
language to another with fair 
amount of correctness. Another 
emerging application area is 
automated customer  service 
where a computer software can 
interact with customers to serve 
their queries or complaints.
3.2.3 Immersive Experiences 
With the three-dimensional (3D) videography, the 
joy of watching movies in theatres has reached to 
a new level. Video games are also being developed to  
Figure 3.1: Use of natural language processing
Activity 3.1
Find out how NLP is 
helping differently-
abled persons? 
Ch 3.indd   46 08-Apr-19   11:41:14 AM
2024-25
Em Erging Tr Ends 47
provide immersive experiences to the player. Immersive 
experiences allow us to visualise, feel and react by 
stimulating our senses. It enhances our interaction 
and involvement, making them more realistic and 
engaging. Immersive experiences have been used 
in the field of training, such as driving simulators 
(Figure 3.2), flight simulator and so on. Immersive 
experience can be achieved using virtual reality and 
augmented reality.
(A) Virtual Reality 
Everything that we experience in our reality is perceived 
through our senses. From this came the idea that 
if we can present our senses with made-up or non-
real information, our perception of reality would also 
alter in response to that. Virtual Reality (VR) is a 
three-dimensional, computer-generated situation that 
simulates the real world. The user can interact with and 
explore that environment by getting immersed in it while 
interacting with the objects and other actions of the user. 
At present, it is achieved with the help of VR Headsets. 
In order to make the experience of VR more realistic, it 
promotes other sensory information like sound, smell, 
motion, temperature, etc. It is a comparatively new field 
and has found its applications in gaming (Figure 3.3), 
military training, medical procedures, entertainment, 
social science and psychology, engineering and 
other areas where simulation is needed for a better 
understanding and learning.
(B) Augmented Reality 
The superimposition of computer generated perceptual 
information over the existing physical surroundings is 
called as Augmented Reality (AR). It adds components 
of the digital world to the physical world, along with 
the associated tactile and other sensory requirements, 
thereby making the environment interactive and digitally 
manipulable. Users can access information about the 
nearest places with reference to their current location. 
They can get information about places and choose on 
the basis of user reviews. With help of location-based 
AR App, travellers can access real-time information of 
historical places just by pointing their camera viewfinder 
to subjects as depicted in Figure 3.4. Location-based 
AR apps are major forms of AR apps. 
Figure 3.2: Driving simulator
Figure 3.3: Virtual Reality 
Headset
Figure 3.4: Location-based 
Augmented Reality
Unlike Virtual Reality, the 
Augmented Reality does not 
create something new, it 
just alters or augments the 
perception of the underlying 
physical world through 
additional information. 
Ch 3.indd   47 08-Apr-19   11:41:16 AM
2024-25
Computer SCien Ce – Cla SS xi 48
3.2.4 Robotics 
A robot is basically a machine capable of carrying out one 
or more tasks automatically with accuracy and precision. 
Unlike other machines, a robot is programmable by a 
computer, which means it can follow the instructions 
given through computer programs. Robots were initially 
conceptualised for doing repetitive industrial tasks 
that are boring or stressful for humans or were labour-
intensive. Sensors are one of the prime components of 
a robot. Robot can be of many types, such as wheeled 
robots, legged robots, manipulators and humanoids. 
Robots that resemble humans are known as humanoids. 
Robots are being used in industries, medical science, 
bionics, scientific research, military, etc. Some examples 
are: 
• NASA’s Mars Exploration Rover (MER) mission is 
a robotic space mission to study about the planet 
Mars (Figure 3.5).
• Sophia is a humanoid that uses artificial intelligence, 
visual data processing, facial recognition and also 
imitates human gestures and facial expressions, as 
shown in Figure 3.6.
• A drone is an unmanned aircraft which can be 
remotely controlled or can fly autonomously through 
software-controlled flight plans in their embedded 
systems, working in conjunction with onboard 
sensors and GPS (Figure 3.7). They are being used 
in many fields, such as journalism, filming and 
aerial photography, shipping or delivery at short 
distances, disaster management, search and rescue 
operations, healthcare, geographic mapping and 
structural safety inspections, agriculture, wildlife 
monitoring or pooching, besides law-enforcement and  
border patrolling.
Robotics is an 
interdisciplinary branch 
of technology requiring 
applications of mechanical 
engineering, electronics, 
and computer science, 
among others. Robotics is 
primarily concerned with 
the design, fabrication, 
operation, and application 
of robots.
Figure 3.5: NASA’s Mars 
Exploration Rover (MER) 
Figure 3.6: Sophia is a 
humanoid
Figure 3.7: Drone
Activity 3.2
Find out what role are 
robots playing in the 
medical field? 
Can a drone be helpful 
in the event of a natural 
calamity?
Think and Reflect
Ch 3.indd   48 08-Apr-19   11:41:17 AM
2024-25
Page 5


3.1 Introduct Ion Computers have been around for quite some time 
now. New technologies and initiatives emerge with 
each passing day. In order to understand the existing 
technologies and have a better view of the developments 
around us, we must keep an eye on the emerging trends. 
Many new technologies are introduced almost every day. 
Some of these do not succeed and fade away over time. 
Some of these new technologies prosper and persist over 
time, gaining attention from users. Emerging trends are 
the state-of-the-art technologies, which gain popularity 
and set a new trend among users. In this chapter, we 
will learn about some emerging trends that will make 
a huge impact (in the future) on digital economy and 
interaction in digital societies.
3.2 Art If Ic IAl Intell Igence (AI) 
Have you ever wondered how maps in your smartphone 
are able to guide you to take the fastest route to your 
destination by analysing real time data, such as traffic 
congestion? On uploading a photo on a social networking 
site, has it ever happened that your friends in the 
photograph were recognised and tagged automatically? 
These are some of the examples of application of 
Artificial Intelligence. The intelligent digital personal 
assistants like Siri, Google Now, Cortana, Alexa are 
all powered by AI. Artificial Intelligence endeavours to 
simulate the natural intelligence of human beings into 
machines, thus making them behave intelligently. An 
intelligent machine is supposed to imitate some of the 
cognitive functions of humans like learning, decision-
making and problem solving. In order to make machines 
perform tasks with minimum human intervention, they 
are programmed to create a knowledge base and make 
“Computer science is no more 
about computers than as-
tronomy is about telescopes” 
–Edsger Dijkstra
Chapter 3 
Emerging Trends
In this chapter
 » Introduction
 » Artificial Intelligence 
(AI) 
 » Big Data 
 » Internet of Things 
(IoT)
 » Cloud Computing 
 » Grid Computing
 » Blockchains 
Ch 3.indd   45 08-Apr-19   11:41:14 AM
2024-25
Computer SCien Ce – Cla SS xi 46
A knowledge base is 
a store of information 
consisting of facts, 
assumptions and rules 
which an AI system 
can use for decision 
making.
decisions based on it. AI system can also learn from 
past experiences or outcomes to make new decisions.
3.2.1 Machine Learning
Machine Learning is a subsystem of Artificial 
Intelligence, wherein computers have the ability to learn 
from data using statistical techniques, without being 
explicitly programmed by a human being. It comprises 
algorithms that use data to learn on their own and 
make predictions. These algorithms called models, are 
first trained and tested using a training data and testing 
data, respectively. After successive trainings, once these 
models are able to give results to an acceptable level of 
accuracy, they are used to make predictions about new 
and unknown data.
3.2.2 Natural Language Processing (NLP) 
The predictive typing feature of search engine that 
helps us by suggesting the next word in the sentence 
while typing keywords and the spell checking features 
are examples of Natural Language Processing (NLP). 
It deals with the interaction between human and 
computers using human spoken languages, such as 
Hindi, English, etc.
In fact it is possible to search the web or operate or 
control our devices using our voice. All this has been 
possible by NLP. An NLP system can perform text-to-
speech and speech-to-text conversion as depicted in 
Figure 3.1. 
Machine translation is a rapidly emerging field 
where machines are already 
able to translate texts from one 
language to another with fair 
amount of correctness. Another 
emerging application area is 
automated customer  service 
where a computer software can 
interact with customers to serve 
their queries or complaints.
3.2.3 Immersive Experiences 
With the three-dimensional (3D) videography, the 
joy of watching movies in theatres has reached to 
a new level. Video games are also being developed to  
Figure 3.1: Use of natural language processing
Activity 3.1
Find out how NLP is 
helping differently-
abled persons? 
Ch 3.indd   46 08-Apr-19   11:41:14 AM
2024-25
Em Erging Tr Ends 47
provide immersive experiences to the player. Immersive 
experiences allow us to visualise, feel and react by 
stimulating our senses. It enhances our interaction 
and involvement, making them more realistic and 
engaging. Immersive experiences have been used 
in the field of training, such as driving simulators 
(Figure 3.2), flight simulator and so on. Immersive 
experience can be achieved using virtual reality and 
augmented reality.
(A) Virtual Reality 
Everything that we experience in our reality is perceived 
through our senses. From this came the idea that 
if we can present our senses with made-up or non-
real information, our perception of reality would also 
alter in response to that. Virtual Reality (VR) is a 
three-dimensional, computer-generated situation that 
simulates the real world. The user can interact with and 
explore that environment by getting immersed in it while 
interacting with the objects and other actions of the user. 
At present, it is achieved with the help of VR Headsets. 
In order to make the experience of VR more realistic, it 
promotes other sensory information like sound, smell, 
motion, temperature, etc. It is a comparatively new field 
and has found its applications in gaming (Figure 3.3), 
military training, medical procedures, entertainment, 
social science and psychology, engineering and 
other areas where simulation is needed for a better 
understanding and learning.
(B) Augmented Reality 
The superimposition of computer generated perceptual 
information over the existing physical surroundings is 
called as Augmented Reality (AR). It adds components 
of the digital world to the physical world, along with 
the associated tactile and other sensory requirements, 
thereby making the environment interactive and digitally 
manipulable. Users can access information about the 
nearest places with reference to their current location. 
They can get information about places and choose on 
the basis of user reviews. With help of location-based 
AR App, travellers can access real-time information of 
historical places just by pointing their camera viewfinder 
to subjects as depicted in Figure 3.4. Location-based 
AR apps are major forms of AR apps. 
Figure 3.2: Driving simulator
Figure 3.3: Virtual Reality 
Headset
Figure 3.4: Location-based 
Augmented Reality
Unlike Virtual Reality, the 
Augmented Reality does not 
create something new, it 
just alters or augments the 
perception of the underlying 
physical world through 
additional information. 
Ch 3.indd   47 08-Apr-19   11:41:16 AM
2024-25
Computer SCien Ce – Cla SS xi 48
3.2.4 Robotics 
A robot is basically a machine capable of carrying out one 
or more tasks automatically with accuracy and precision. 
Unlike other machines, a robot is programmable by a 
computer, which means it can follow the instructions 
given through computer programs. Robots were initially 
conceptualised for doing repetitive industrial tasks 
that are boring or stressful for humans or were labour-
intensive. Sensors are one of the prime components of 
a robot. Robot can be of many types, such as wheeled 
robots, legged robots, manipulators and humanoids. 
Robots that resemble humans are known as humanoids. 
Robots are being used in industries, medical science, 
bionics, scientific research, military, etc. Some examples 
are: 
• NASA’s Mars Exploration Rover (MER) mission is 
a robotic space mission to study about the planet 
Mars (Figure 3.5).
• Sophia is a humanoid that uses artificial intelligence, 
visual data processing, facial recognition and also 
imitates human gestures and facial expressions, as 
shown in Figure 3.6.
• A drone is an unmanned aircraft which can be 
remotely controlled or can fly autonomously through 
software-controlled flight plans in their embedded 
systems, working in conjunction with onboard 
sensors and GPS (Figure 3.7). They are being used 
in many fields, such as journalism, filming and 
aerial photography, shipping or delivery at short 
distances, disaster management, search and rescue 
operations, healthcare, geographic mapping and 
structural safety inspections, agriculture, wildlife 
monitoring or pooching, besides law-enforcement and  
border patrolling.
Robotics is an 
interdisciplinary branch 
of technology requiring 
applications of mechanical 
engineering, electronics, 
and computer science, 
among others. Robotics is 
primarily concerned with 
the design, fabrication, 
operation, and application 
of robots.
Figure 3.5: NASA’s Mars 
Exploration Rover (MER) 
Figure 3.6: Sophia is a 
humanoid
Figure 3.7: Drone
Activity 3.2
Find out what role are 
robots playing in the 
medical field? 
Can a drone be helpful 
in the event of a natural 
calamity?
Think and Reflect
Ch 3.indd   48 08-Apr-19   11:41:17 AM
2024-25
Em Erging Tr Ends 49
3.3 BIg d At A 
With technology making an inroad into almost every 
sphere of our lives, data is being produced at a colossal 
rate. Today, there are over a billion Internet users, and 
a majority of the world’s 
web traffic is coming from 
smartphones. Figure 
3.8 shows that at the 
current pace, around 2.5 
quintillion bytes of data 
are created each day, and 
the pace is increasing with 
the continuous evolution 
of the Internet of Things 
(IoT).
This results in the 
generation of data sets 
of enormous volume and 
complexity called Big 
Data. Such data cannot 
be processed and analysed 
using traditional data 
processing tools as the data 
is not only voluminous, but 
also unstructured like our 
posts, instant messages 
and chats, photographs that we share through various 
sites, our tweets, blog articles, news items, opinion 
polls and their comments, audio/video chats, etc. 
Big Data not only represents voluminous data, it also 
involves various challenges like integration, storage, 
analysis, searching, processing, transfer, querying and 
visualisation of such data. Big data sometimes hold rich 
information and knowledge which is of high business 
value, and therefore there is a keen effort in developing 
software and methods to process and analyse big data.
3.3.1 Characteristics of Big Data
Big data exhibits following five characteristics shown in 
Figure 3.9, that distinguish it from traditional data.
Figure 3.8: Sources of big data (numbers are 
approximate)
How are your digital 
activities contributing to 
generation of Big data?
Think and Reflect
Ch 3.indd   49 08-Apr-19   11:41:17 AM
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