Quiz: The DIKW Pyramid (Data to Information)

The symbol grounding problem can be explained with a DIKW pyramid. The following quiz has the domain of a warehouse robot.

Instructions: Match the raw sensor output (Data) to the correct operational meaning (Information).

1. A Time-of-Flight (ToF) sensor returns the integer 20. The system context defines the unit as centimeters. What is the information?

    A) The robot's battery is at 20%.
    B) An object is detected 20 cm in front of the sensor.
    C) The robot has picked up 20 items.
    D) The robot is moving at 20 km/h.

2. The internal IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) registers a sudden spike of 9.8 m/s² on the X-axis while the robot was supposed to be stationary. What is the information?

    A) The robot is successfully charging.
    B) The robot has reached its top speed.
    C) The robot has likely been struck or tilted unexpectedly.
    D) The floor is perfectly level.

3. A barcode scanner on the gripper returns the string SKU-9921-RED. What is the information?

    A) The gripper is currently empty.
    B) The robot needs to be rebooted.
    C) The item currently held is identified as a "Red Small Widget."
    D) The ambient light in the warehouse is too red.

4. The wheel encoders report 500 rotations, while the visual odometry (camera) reports 0 meters of forward progress. What is the information?

    A) The robot is moving faster than expected.
    B) The wheels are slipping on a slick surface (e.g., oil or plastic).
    C) The robot has arrived at the loading dock.
    D) The camera lens is dirty.

5. A thermistor near the motor controller reads 95°C. The operating limit is 80°C. What is the information?

    A) The motor is warming up to optimal temperature.
    B) The warehouse heating system is turned on.
    C) The motor controller is overheating and at risk of failure.
    D) The robot is in a refrigerated zone.

6. A pressure-sensitive safety bumper sends a High/1 logic signal to the CPU. What is the information?

    A) The robot is clear of all obstacles.
    B) The robot has made physical contact with an object or person.
    C) The battery voltage is stable.
    D) A new software update is available.

7. The battery management system (BMS) reports a voltage of 19.2V on a 24V rated system. What is the information?

    A) The battery is fully charged.
    B) the battery is at a "Low" state and requires docking soon.
    C) The robot is currently plugged into a wall outlet.
    D) The sensors are calibrated correctly.

8. An acoustic sensor detects a frequency of 110 dB during a lifting sequence. What is the information?

    A) The lifting mechanism is operating silently.
    B) The warehouse music is too loud.
    C) There is an abnormally loud grinding noise in the lift gears.
    D) The item being lifted is very light.

Correct answers

    1. B (The number 20 + unit cm = distance information)
    2. C (Sudden acceleration on a stationary axis = impact/tilt information)
    3. C (String data + database lookup = object identity information)
    4. B (Rotation data vs. no movement data = traction loss information)
    5. C (Raw temperature > threshold = critical status information)
    6. B (Binary signal from a bumper = collision detection information)
    7. B (Voltage level compared to system rating = energy status information)
    8. C (Decibel level + operational context = mechanical fault information)