Automation

Automation is the use of machines to perform tasks that require decision making. Automation is used for a wide variety of jobs that are too complex or dangerous for people to do, for repetitive tasks that many

people would find boring, and for work that would be extremely costly if done by people.

Automated systems can make decisions that are beyond the capacity of people to make. For example, many cities use automated systems to coordinate their traffic lights to smooth the flow of traffic. Sensors in the pavement determine the number and speed of vehicles on the street and send the data to a computer. The computer decides how to time each traffic light in the area and sends signals to the lights.

Repetitive, simple jobs can be boring for people to do for long periods of time. Automated machinery is well suited to these routine tasks, such as assembling, inspecting, and packaging manufactured products.

Automated machinery can operate in environments that are unsafe for people Automated systems are used for repairing underwater pipelines at high pressures. Automobiles are painted by robots using spray paint that would harm people.

Automated systems can do some jobs more cheaply than people can. Many stores use automated systems to perform tasks formerly done by managers. Cash registers ring up each item as it is sold and send information on the sale to a computer. The computer records how much of each item remains in stock and can even place orders to restock items. The use of automation also allows companies to save money they otherwise would have to spend to make hazardous work areas safe for human workers. In addition, a manufacturing robot may be able to perform different tasks by having its program changed, allowing one robot to do the work of several single-task machines.

Many people expect an increase in automation to cause unemployment as Workers are replace by machines. However, while the use of automation eliminates low-skill jobs, it increases the demand for highly skilled workers. Many skilled people are needed to design, build, and maintain automated systems. In addition, automation may enable manufacturers to lower prices and increase sales. As demand for an industry's products increases, employment may rise even as the industry automates.

Words and word combinations:

to perform tasks: виконувати завдання

repetitive: повторні

beyond the capacity: за рамками можливості

obstacles: перешкоди

assembly: вбирання (в одне ціле)

packaging: упаковування

wide variety: широка різноманітність

boring: нудне

traffic light: світлофор

pavement: тротуар

guidance systems: ведучі систем

inspecting: перевірка

cash registers: касові апарати

unemployment: безробіття

cheap: дешеве

hazardous: небезпечне

The United States of America

The United States of America is the third-largest country in the world in population, and it is the fourth-largest country in area. China and India are the only countries with more people. Only Russia, Canada and China have larger areas. The United States covers the entire midsection of North America, stretching from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west. It also includes Alaska, in the northwest corner of North America; and Hawaii, far out in the Pacific. The United States is often called the U.S., U.S.A., or America.

The land of the United States is as varied as it is vast. It ranges from the warm beaches of Florida and Hawaii to the frozen northlands of Alaska, and from the level Midwestern prairies to the snow-capped Rocky Mountains. This huge and beautiful country is rich in natural resources. It has great stretches of some of the most fertile soil on earth, a plentiful water supply and excellent water routes, and large stretches of forests. Huge deposits of valuable minerals, including coal, natural gas, and petroleum, lie underground.

Economically, the United States is one of the world's most highly developed and productive nations. No other country equals the United States in the production of goods and services. Its people enjoy one of the world's highest standards of living.

Until the 1500s, what is now the United States was largely a wilderness. Small groups of Indians lived scattered over the land between the Atlantic and Pacific. Eskimos inhabited what is now Alaska, and Polynesians lived in Hawaii. People in Europe saw in this vast "new world" a chance to build new and better lives. Small groups of Spaniards settled in what is now the Southeastern and Western United States in the 1500s. People from England and some other European countries began settling along and near the East Coast during the 1600s. In 1776, colonists in the East established an independent nation based on freedom and economic opportunity. Through the years, large numbers of people from Europe continued to settle in the United States. In addition, people from almost every other part of the world settled in the country. Except for black Africans brought in as slaves, these immigrants came seeking the rights and the opportunities that had become part of the American way of life. As a result of this immigration, the United States today has one of the world's most varied populations. It has been called "a nation of immigrants" and a "melting pot."

The vast space and resources of the land, the ideals of freedom and economic opportunity, and hard work by the people all helped build the United States into the economic giant it is today. The Americans-as the people are commonly called-also made major contributions in such fields as technology, science, and medicine. Americans developed the mass production system of manufacturing, the electric light bulb, the telephone, and polio vaccine. They also created the skyscraper and such new art forms as jazz and musical comedy.

At times, the U.S. economy has run into difficulty. Even so, it remains one of the most productive systems ever developed. In some cases, groups of Americans have suffered socially and economically from discrimination. But the country's laws have helped many people overcome discrimination and achieve better lives.

Some interesting facts about the United States:

• The capital is Washington, D.C.

• The form of government-Republic.

• The highest point of elevation is Mount McKinley in Alaska, 20,320 feet above sea level.

• The lowest point is in Death Valley in California,282 feet below sea level.

• The longest river is the Missouri, 2,540 miles.

• The largest lake within the U.S. is Michigan Lake, 22,300 square miles.

• The largest island is the island of Hawaii, 4,038 sq. mi.

• The estimated population of the U.S. is 258,120,000.

• Colorado has the highest average altitude, about 6,800 feet (2,000 m.) above sea level, of any state in the U.S.

• The first beauty contest in the United States was held at Rehoboth Beath in 1880. Contestants competed for the title of "Miss United States." The famous inventor Thomas Edison was one of the three judges. The contest became the forerunner of today's Miss America pageant.

• The town of Santa Claus, Indiana, receives more than half a million package, letters, and cards for remailing during the Christmas season The town, named in 1852, has the only U.S. post office with the name "Santa Claus".

• The world's first metal frame skyscraper, the ten-story Home Insurance Building, was constructed in Chicago in 1884-1885.

• The first woman mayor in the U.S., Susanna Salter, was elected mayor of the town of Argonia, Kansas in 1887. The election also marked the first time women in Kansas were allowed to vote in city elections.