Spotlight 9. Module 4. Robots

Fill in the gaps with the correct phrases. In 1986, Honda (a company known mainly for its cars and motorbikes) started work on developing a robot which would be able to walk. ASIMO is an acronym which stands for Advanced Step in Innovative Mobility. The Japanese word Asi also stands for 'leg' and Mo for 'mobility'. ASIMO is pronounced as 'ashimo' and means 'also legs'. ASIMO is currently the most realistic humanoid robot in the world. It can jump, run, walk, climb stairs and even hop on one leg! ASIMO has cameras for eyes, and has the ability to recognise faces and map out its surroundings, detect obstacles. It can also understand basic commands and is programmed to know American and British Sign Language so can communicate with deaf people. Honda has been taking ASIMO all around the world to show it to young people in order to inspire and encourage them to study science. such as fire fighting and dealing with harmful chemicals. Many people say that ASIMO is a fantastic creation . In the future, it will be able help people who have problems with movement. In England, more than half of people aged 75 and over live by themselves, and 5 million of them say that their main form of company comes from the television, so ASIMO could be a great help and a buddy for them. At the moment, ASIMO is already used to teach young people about Maths and Science. Honda's work with ASIMO led to further research on walking assist devices that resulted in innovations such as the Stride Management Assist and the Bodyweight Support Assist. Will robots think and act like human beings? We will probably find out soon.

Study the table and the infographics. Which model (1, 2, 3, 4) is shown in the infographics?

Study the text and the table. Whan was the first ASIMO created? In 1986, Honda (a company known mainly for its cars and motorbikes) started work on developing a robot which would be able to walk. 28 years later, in 2014, ASIMO was unveiled.

Study the table. Decide whether the following statement is true, false, or there is not enough information. Model 1 is heavier than model 2 because of the battery.

Study the table. Decide whether the following statement is true, false, or there is not enough information. ASIMO became taller and heavier in 2011.

Study the table. Decide whether the following statement is true, false, or there is not enough information. ASIMO has to be charged for 4 hours to run for 1 hour.

Study the infographics. Decide whether the following statement is true, false, or there is not enough information. ASIMO can understand Russian.

Study the infographics. Decide whether the following statement is true, false, or there is not enough information. ASIMO can detect obstacles.

Study the table. Decide whether the following statement is true, false, or there is not enough information. Although the latest model can walk and run faster, it operates longer.

Study the infographics. Decide whether the following statement is true, false, or there is not enough information. ASIMO can't speak.

Study the infographics. Decide whether the following statement is true, false, or there is not enough information. ASIMO can think and make decisions.

Study the infographics. Decide whether the following statement is true, false, or there is not enough information. ASIMO can remember you and your name.