Researchers at a robotics facility examined the factors behind certain actuator configurations sustaining accuracy across different loading conditions...
GMAT Information and Ideas : (Ideas) Questions
Researchers at a robotics facility examined the factors behind certain actuator configurations sustaining accuracy across different loading conditions. They substituted the conventional spring-dampener mechanism in robotic arms with a basic spring-only system adapted from elementary mechanical configurations that cannot adjust to load variations. Experiments showed equivalent functionality between altered and standard arms when subjected to minimal loads, however, when exposed to substantial loads, arms retaining the original spring-dampener mechanisms preserved accuracy whereas basic versions exhibited reduced precision, indicating that ________
Which choice most logically completes the text?
accuracy across load fluctuations is exclusive to sophisticated robotics.
spring-dampener mechanisms allow robotic arms to adjust to loading variations.
robotic arms enhance dampening reaction with increasing loads.
loads of minimum standard magnitude are necessary for actuator accuracy.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| 'Researchers at a robotics facility examined the factors behind certain actuator configurations sustaining accuracy across different loading conditions.' |
|
| 'They substituted the conventional spring-dampener mechanism in robotic arms with a basic spring-only system adapted from elementary mechanical configurations that cannot adjust to load variations.' |
|
| 'Experiments showed equivalent functionality between altered and standard arms when subjected to minimal loads,' |
|
| 'however, when exposed to substantial loads, arms retaining the original spring-dampener mechanisms preserved accuracy whereas basic versions exhibited reduced precision,' |
|
| 'indicating that ________' |
|
Part B: Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Experimental comparison of robotic arm mechanisms reveals that spring-dampener systems outperform basic spring-only systems under heavy loading conditions.
Argument Flow: The passage sets up a controlled experiment comparing two actuator types, presents results showing identical performance under light loads but different performance under heavy loads, then asks us to draw the logical conclusion about what this difference indicates.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
This is a fill-in-the-blank question asking us to choose the best logical connector. The answer must create the right relationship between what comes before and after the blank.
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- The key finding is that both systems work equally well under minimal loads, but only the spring-dampener system maintains accuracy under substantial loads
- This suggests that the spring-dampener mechanism has some capability that the basic spring-only system lacks
- Since the passage mentions that the basic spring-only system 'cannot adjust to load variations,' the logical conclusion should explain that the spring-dampener system CAN adjust to load variations
- The right answer should explain that spring-dampener mechanisms have the ability to adapt or adjust to changing load conditions
accuracy across load fluctuations is exclusive to sophisticated robotics.
- Claims accuracy under load fluctuations is 'exclusive to sophisticated robotics'
- Too broad and vague, doesn't specifically explain what the spring-dampener mechanism does
spring-dampener mechanisms allow robotic arms to adjust to loading variations.
- States that 'spring-dampener mechanisms allow robotic arms to adjust to loading variations'
- Directly explains why the spring-dampener systems maintained accuracy under substantial loads and perfectly matches our prethinking
robotic arms enhance dampening reaction with increasing loads.
- Claims 'robotic arms enhance dampening reaction with increasing loads'
- The passage doesn't provide evidence that dampening reactions are enhanced with more load
loads of minimum standard magnitude are necessary for actuator accuracy.
- States 'loads of minimum standard magnitude are necessary for actuator accuracy'
- Contradicts the experimental findings since both systems were accurate under minimal loads