Full marks6/6
An embedded system is a computer built into a larger device that performs a dedicated function. The delivery drone contains several embedded systems. The flight controller is an embedded system that takes data from the drone's sensors and adjusts the speed of each rotor, so the drone stays level and stable while carrying a parcel. The GPS embedded system calculates the drone's position and works out the route to the customer's address. The camera embedded system takes images that are processed to spot obstacles such as trees or overhead cables, and the sensor embedded systems measure the distance to the ground so the drone can land safely. These systems are dedicated to one task each, so they respond quickly, which allows the drone to change direction in time to avoid an obstacle. They are also small and light and use little power, so the drone can fly further on one charge and deliver more parcels. Because each embedded system is built into the drone, the drone can fly autonomously and the company does not need a pilot for every delivery. However, the embedded systems have limited processing power and storage, so the drone may not be able to run complex obstacle-recognition software and might not recognise an unusual obstacle. Their software is held in ROM, so fixing a bug is difficult and the drone may have to be returned or connected to a computer to be updated. If an embedded system fails, the drone could crash, which could injure someone or damage property. Overall, embedded systems make the delivery drone possible because they are small, light and dedicated, but their limitations mean the drone cannot do every task that a general-purpose computer could.
Why: Definition of an embedded system (1); uses with reasons applied to the drone, including the flight controller, GPS, camera and sensors (1); benefits linked to weight, power, responsiveness and autonomous flight (1); drawbacks linked to limited processing/storage, ROM updates and crash risk (1); sustained lines of reasoning connect the uses, benefits and drawbacks to the delivery drone throughout, so Level 3, 6 marks.
Some marks3/6
An embedded system is a small computer inside a device that does one job. The drone uses a flight controller embedded system to keep it balanced and change the rotor speeds, and a GPS embedded system to find the address. The camera embedded system helps it avoid obstacles. Embedded systems are small and light and use little power, which is good for a drone because it has to stay in the air. A drawback is that they have limited processing power, so the drone might not recognise an obstacle.
Why: Definition (1); some uses with a little linkage to the drone, flight controller and GPS (1); a benefit linked to the drone staying in the air (1); one drawback linked to obstacle recognition (1). However, the points are brief and mostly asserted, with only some linkages, so Level 2, 3 marks.
No marks0/6
The drone uses embedded systems to connect to Wi-Fi and play videos. They are good because you can install games on them.
Why: No creditworthy point. The answer gives general-purpose computer uses (Wi-Fi and playing videos) that are not linked to the drone's delivery function, and claims that new software or games can be installed, which the mark scheme says not to accept. No drone-relevant use, benefit or drawback is given, so Level 0.