A small step for a Sony robot could turn out to be a giant

leap for robotkind. In 2003 Sony showed a new version

of its QRIO robot that could jog at a top speed of 14
metres per minute. 1
A. PRE-READING QUESTION
Running is a much more difficult task for a robot to Do you think that machines will ever be 0
perform as both of the machines feet must be off the floor more intelligent than people or more
at the same time. Sony said the QRIO jogging robot was human-like? State your opinion in about 50
the result of three years of work but that it had no plans to words.
put it on sale like the AIBO robot dog.
QRIO stands for quest for curiosity. The robot, which
B. TRUE or FALSE? Quote from the text to
was previously known as the SDR, has earlier been shown
justify your answers.
walking, climbing, kicking a ball and dancing. Now Sony has 2
updated the robot, which is usually shown off at trade 4
shows and other events, to run slowly for a short distance. 1. Sonys QRIO represents a major advance in
If the 58cm high robot were human-sized, it would be able robotics.
2. People can buy the QRIO robot soon.
to run at a speed of about 2.4km per hour.
3. The robots name means searching, wanting
QRIO is also able to speak now. Its voice is generated
to learn more.
using software that converts text to speech. It has on 4. QRIO is a human-sized robot.
board two digital cameras that help it learn about its 5. QRIO is used to present and promote Sonys
surroundings and recognise up to 10 faces. technological innovations.
Sony uses the friendly robot as an ambassador for its 6. Previous Sony robots have been a complete
products at events. This robot puts Sony ahead of Honda, failure.
which has shown off its ASIMO robot that, so far, can only
walk. Sony has enjoyed huge success with its AIBO robot C. Complete the following according to the
dog and has sold more than 130,000 units of that text.
technological pet. AIBO costs around 69,000 yen, about 2
520 euros. 0
1. The first version of QRIO, SDR, could already...
But QRIOs adventures dont stop here! The robot has 2. Because of its size, QRIO cant
made its TV debut: it recorded its voice for a small part in a 3. After having been improved, the QRIO robot
top Japanese cartoon show called Astro Boy. QRIO has can not only run ...
clearly impressed Kazuya Konaka, its director. Our 4. QRIOs ability to speak allowed it to play
message is that robots are our partners, he said. This has
demonstrated that robots and human beings can work
together. in BBC NEWS D. Match the words from the text with their
equivalents on the right.
E. Answer the following questions in your own words as far as 1
possible. 1. shows off a) execute 0
3 2. leap b) first appearance
1. How fast can the QRIO robot run? 0 3. top c) modernised
2. Why is it so hard for a robot to run? 4. perform d) environment
3. What is the main difference between the QRIO and the 5. quest e) translates
ASIMO robots? 6. updated f) achievement
7. converts g) representative
F. What do the underlined words in the text refer to? 8. surroundings h) exhibits
1
9. ambassador i) maximum
1. it 2. that 3. it 4. which 5. its 5 10. debut j) search

G. VOCABULARY: Complete the text with the words below: 1

6
 robotic emotions developed behaves domestic navigate capable walk
Sony and Honda have (1) humanoid robots. Standing 50cm tall, they can (2) and dance although they cant do
much more than this. Dyson have also produced (3) vacuum cleaners which can clean rooms, using sensors to (4).
Scientists say these are the first steps towards (5) robots which will one day be carrying out all our boring
household chores. But will robots ever be (6) of more than this? In A.I., robots can love. Could machines ever
have (7)? Current technology is nowhere near achieving this, and experts agree that we are a long way from
building a robot which (8) anything like a human.

H. GRAMMAR 3
5
1. Link the sentences with a relative pronoun. Use commas where needed.
a) The photo shows Sonys latest robot-pet. She is looking at it.
b) A robotic boy is the main character of the film A.I. His wish is to become human.
c) AIBO has been sold around the world. It is the most advanced toy-robot.
d) Mrs. Green has got a RoboDog at home. I was talking to her.

2. Complete the sentences as indicated.

a) Tina wanted Jack to call her, and gave him her phone number. Tina gave Jack her phone number so that...
b) Man has invented lots of machines so that our lives would be easier. Man has invented lots of machines to...

3. Join the sentences using a purpose clause.

We took a GPS with us. We didnt want to get lost.

4. Rephrase the following sentence with although.

Despite being just a robot pet dog, AIBO is fun to play with.

I. WRITING: In about 150 words, write an opinion essay about either 1) or 2). 4
0

1. FUTURE PREDICTIONS How do you imagine the future in 100 years from now?

2. THE IMPACT OF TECHNOLOGY - Technology has clearly changed the way we live. It has revolutionised the
way we communicate, shop, travel, work and play. But at what cost?

KEY
A. personal answer

B.
1. T - A small step for a Sony robot could turn out to be a giant leap for robotkind.
2. F - (Sony said the QRIO jogging robot was the result of three years of work) but that it had no plans to put
it on sale like the AIBO robot dog.
3. T - QRIO stands for quest for curiosity.
4. F - If the 58cm high robot were human-sized,
5. T - Sony uses the friendly robot as an ambassador for its products at events.
6. F - Sony has enjoyed huge success with its AIBO robot dog and has sold more than 130,000 units of that
technological pet.

C.
1. walk, climb, kick a ball and dance.
2. run very fast.
3. but also speak and see (recognise faces /learn about its surroundings)
4. ... a small part in a top Japanese cartoon show called Astro Boy/a small role on TV

D. 1h) 2f) 3i) 4a) 5j) 6c) 7e) 8d) 9g) 10b)

E.
1. The QRIO can run 14 metres per minute.
2. It is so hard because it needs to keep both its feet off the ground at the same time.
3. The main difference is that the QRIO can run, whereas the ASIMO robot can only walk.

F. 1. Sony 2. software 3. QRIO 4. Honda 5. (a Japanese cartoon show called) Astro Boy

G.
(1)developed (2)walk (3)robotic (4)navigate (5)domestic (6)capable (7)emotions (8)behaves

H.1
a) The photo which/that she is looking at shows Sonys latest robot-pet.
b) A robotic boy whose wish is to become human is the main character of the film A.I.
c) AIBO, which is the most advanced toy-robot, has been sold around the world.
d) Mrs. Green, who I was talking to, has got a RoboDog at home.
H.2.
a) Tina gave Jack her phone number so that he could call her.
b) Man has invented lots of machines to make our lives easier.
H.3.
We took a GPS with us so that we wouldnt get lost / so as not to (in order not to) get lost.
H.4.
Although AIBO is just a robot pet dog, it is fun to play with.