Robotics

Vocabulary

1. boost (v)/buːst/ to improve or increase somethingEg:An increase in sales is expected to boost the company's profits.
2. hazardous (Adj)/ˈhæzərdəs/ risky or dangerousEg: The chemicals in this cleaner can be hazardous if you inhale them.

3. tactile (Adj)/ˈtæktɪl/ touchable; connected with the sense of touchPottery is a tactile craft that requires skilled hands

4. humanoid (Adj)/ˈhjuːmənɔɪd/ having the appearance of a humanEg: Humanoid robots are now used as a research tool in several scientific areas.

5. constantly (Adj)/ˈkɑːnstəntliː/ continuously over a period of timeEg: My daughter believes that an angel is constantly watching over her

6. far-fetched (Adj)/ˌfɑːˈfɛtʃt/ unlikely to happen or be trueEg: My grandfather always tells far-fetched stories

Reading

RoboticsNowadays, robots are increasingly being used as “steel-collar” workers since they can significantly boost productivity and cut labor costs. They are able to perform repetitive tasks tirelessly, with extreme speed and precision.

Scientists are constantly working on improving the computing, visual, tactile and navigational capabilities of robots to make them as efficient as possible. Because of advanced technology, robots are now able to effectively perform many hands-on jobs including: painting, drilling and welding.

Many robots are also built to do jobs that are hazardous to people. For example, the military often use robots to defuse bombs. Others are used to explore mines, shipwrecks, and even nuclear reactors.

Robots might be used for space exploration in the future as well. Former astronaut, Buzz Aldrin, has called on NASA to "return to the moon without astronauts and build, with robots, an international lunar base, so that we know how to build a base on Mars robotically". NASA has already created several humanoid robots, so Aldrin's vision might not actually be all that far-fetched.

1. According to the article, which "hands-on" jobs are robots capable of performing?
2. Which hazardous tasks are robots often used for?
3. Who has called on NASA to create an international lunar base using robots?

Discussion

1. Have you ever seen a working robot before?
2. How would you compare robots with human workers?
3. Do you think robots will be better workers than humans in the future? Why? Why not?
4. Do you think the use of robots can have some negative effects on society?