Divide the words into the following categories:
Examples/ types of robots
Parts of a robot, tools, equipment
Related sciences, related words
Match the words with definitions (a-n).
a) a motor that translates control signals into mechanical movement. The control signals are usually electrical but may, more rarely, be pneumatic or hydraulic.
h) a reprogrammable, multifunctional manipulator designed to move material, parts, tools, or specialized devices through variable programmed motions for the performance of a variety of tasks.
b) a carrier equipped with an autopilot system, which is capable of driving from one point to another without input from a human operator.
i) a robotic 'hand'.
c) a being with both biological and artificial (e.g. electronic, mechanical or robotic) parts.
j) a self-propelled and self-contained robot that is capable of moving over a mechanically unconstrained course.
d) the extent to which a robot can move itself; expressed in terms of Cartesian coordinates (x, y, and z) and angular movements (yaw, pitch, and roll).
k) the control of mechanical force and movement, generated by the application of compressed gas.
e) a process in which events or received data are considered by an entity to intelligently adapt its behavior.
l) programmable manipulators or devices for missing human limbs.
f) a robotic entity designed to resemble a human being in form, function, or both.
m) it involves large numbers of mostly simple physical robots. Their actions may seek to incorporate emergent behavior observed in social insects.
g) the control of mechanical force and movement, generated by the application of liquid under pressure. c.f. pneumatics.
n) the first off-the-shelf industrial robot, of 1961.
Think of other words that can be added to such a glossary.
Work in pairs. Student a: you are Eduardo Torres-Jara, a developer of Obrero. Student b: You are Aaron Edsinger, one of developers of Domo. Exchange information about your achievements.
Obrero
Body: Head (1 camera), torso, 1 arm, 1 hand.
Unique feature: Sensitive manipulation
H
ow
it works: the dome-shaped, rubber-coated tactile sensors on
Obrero's fingers are closer to human skin in terms of softness
and sensitivity than previous sensors. "We want the robot to
be able to grope around, find a TV remote, and switch it on,"
says researcher Eduardo Torres-Jara. It can touch an object such
as a plastic bottle without knocking it over or damaging itself -
all by feel alone. So although Obrero looks like something you
wouldn't want to arm-wrestle, it's actually a big softie.Domo
Body: Head (2 cameras), torso, 2 arms, 2 hands.
Unique feature: Compliant force sensing
H
ow
it works: Elastic springs in series with electric motors at each
joint make Domo "compliant" - capable of responding to
any forces applied to it - and this makes it safe to work with.
The springs also help make the robot sensitive to the forces it
exerts on its surroundings, according to its creators Aaron
Edsinger and Jeff Weber. Through hand-eye coordination, Domo is
learning autonomously how to manipulate tools like screwdrivers,
paintbrushes and scissors. These capabilities may allow robots to
assist people with everyday tasks.Work in small groups. You have invented a new robot. Make a short presentation of your robot.
Name of the robot.
Developers.
Appearance.
Functionality and unique features.
How it works.
Discuss the following quotations in small groups.
The danger of the past was that men became slaves. The danger of the future is that man may become robots. Erich Fromm
Robots are not people. They are mechanically more perfect than we are, they have an astounding intellectual capacity, but they have no soul. Karel Capek
Our worst comes out when we behave like robots or professionals.
Fernando Flores
It looks like it's going to be Arnold Schwarzenegger or Gray Davis. You got a robot from the future or a robot with no future. Jay Leno
In pairs ask and answer questions based on the text " In search of a versatile virtual person".
You've decided to take part in the conference and prepare a presentation on the topic: "The Role of Virtual Humans in Virtual Environment Technology and Interfaces".
LISTENING
You are going to listen to some information about space research with the help of robots. Before you listen, check if you know the meaning of the words: mountaineer, to rescue earthquake victims, irregular surface, to glean, suction cup, triple-jointed limbs, uneven surface, to manoeuver.
Listen and decide whether the facts from the text are true or false.
JPL stands for Jet Prospects Laboratory.
Lemur is a fully autonomous robot.
Previous Mars rovers designed by NASA were Sport and Opportunity.
The rovers gather rocks and soil on Mars.
Lemur has special tools as e.g. magnets for better grasp.
Complete the sentences.
On uneven surfaces Lemur can use a claw at the end of each limb…
A computer model of the wall has to be fed into its onboard computer…
The ultimate goal is for Lemur to read a scene and calculate…
After Lemur moves one of its limbs to a new foothold, it must simultaneously…
Lemur will be taught how to react if it unexpectedly…
What can Lemur be used for? Make a list of possible applications.
WRITING
Write a description of a robot that you designed (see exercise).
Make up 5 sentences using the Gerund.
Write a report on the topic "Prospects of robot making industry in the 21st century". Use words from exercise 10.
PROBLEM-SOLVING
Do the quiz (see Problem-Solving to UNIT 2).