21.8.2. Cost and Maintenance

Try these first

1. 1.

   What does the term 'initial investment' mean?

   Hint

   Think about the first payment made when acquiring something.

2. 2.

   Why is calibration important in automated systems?

   Hint

   Consider what happens if we don’t adjust our tools.

3. 3.

   What is a major factor in the high initial cost of automated soil sampling?

   • Labor Costs
   • Robotic Technology
   • Transport Costs

   Hint

   Think about what sophisticated tools require.

4. 4.

   True or False: Regular maintenance is not essential for automated soil sampling equipment.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Consider if anything needs attention over time.

5. 5.

   Calculate the estimated total cost of a robotic system for soil sampling, including maintenance for 5 years if the initial investment is $50,000 and maintenance is approximately 10% of the initial cost annually.

   Hint

   Think about how annual costs accumulate over a period.

6. 6.

   If a sensor's calibration interval changes from once a year to twice a year, how does that impact maintenance costs over 5 years, assuming each calibration costs $200?

   Hint

   Consider how frequency of tasks affects overall expenditure.