1. Can you prove that robots belong not only to space movies?
2. What were the first ideas of a robot?
3. Why did real robots appear only in the late 50s?
4. Who coined the word 'robot'?
5. What is the idea of K. Chapek's story?
6. Why is there no exact definition of a robot?
7. What two factors determine a robot?
8. Have robots replaced man in all kinds of activities?
9. What are the basic applications of robots? Where else can they be used in the future?
10. How do robots play soccer?
20. Will you agree to these statements? Give reasons for your opinion.
1. Right now, all over the world, robots are on the move.
2. The idea of creating an intelligent machine is very old.
3. Name a boring or dangerous job. Somewhere, a robot is probably doing it.
4. All work and no play make anyone dull even a robot.
5. Robots will replace professional sportsmen in the future.
6. Robots must not be allowed to compete with humans.
21.Robotics is a quickly developing science. It certainly brings advantages but also puts difficult questions. Here are some of them. Discuss these questions in small groups.
1. 
If in the future machines have the ability to think, be conscious and have feelings, then what makes a human being a human being, and a robot a robot?
2. Would you like to have a robot to do any task you like or do not want to do yourself? If yes, how do you think this can affect you as a person?
3. Are there any kinds of robots that shouldn't be created? Why?
4. Do you think the development of new technologies, and their application, are inevitable? Should we do anything for the people who will lose their jobs when replaced by robots? If yes, what?
5. Do you think a special law on robots must be made? Will you agree with these Three Laws of Robotics, 'created' by Isaak Asimov?
a) A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm.
b) A robot must obey the orders given to it by human beings, except where such orders conflict with the first law.
c) A robot must protect its own existence, as long as this does not conflict with the first two laws.
Discussion.
It was long time ago when people devised the first prototype of a robot. Nowadays we are close to making human-like machines.
Will these robots improve our life or will they make it worse?
a) Read the following arguments and think of your own.
| For creating humanlike robots | Against creating humanlike robots |
| 1. They will save us. | 1. They will destroy us. |
| 2. They help us in dangerous | 2. They can't work without |
| and routine tasks. | constant supply of energy. |
| 3. They never have any | 3. They can go out of control. |
| problems and never complain. | |
| 4......... | 4.......... |
Writing
23. Study the example and write your own advertisement of a new model of a robot.
A Robot's Best Friend
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Tired of walking your dog and finding its hair everywhere? Sony's robotic dog, AIBO, may be for you.
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AIBO is a totally autonomous robot capable of hearing and seeing, sensing balance and touch. Eighteen specialized motors allow such dog-like motions as rolling over, scratching, playing dead, and chasing a pink ball. Like a puppy, with time and training AIBO develops perfect movements and unique behavior patterns. Programmed to seek companionship, AIBO simulates emotions like happiness, surprise, and anger and is clever at responding to verbal commands.
VOCABULARY
| 1. | Machine | ||
| 2. | to develop | , | |
| 3. | instruction | ||
| 4. | to control | ||
| 5. | pressure | ||
| 6. | weight | ||
| 7. | mechanical device | ||
| 8. | to appear | ||
| 9. | to apply | ||
| 10. | capacity | ||
| 11. | to supply |
2. Computers and their Functions
1. Is it possible to imagine our life without computers? How useful are they?
