ROBOTICS FORUM
Four experts talk about the present and future of robotics
A – GETTING BACK TO MY ROOTS!
As a young man, I was lucky enough to get an internship at a robotics research and
development centre. The researchers gave me their wholehearted support as I took my first
steps in AI. From then on, I haven’t looked back. Next month I’m joining up with a US team and
collaborating on language software that will allow a robot to respond more naturally to
questions. But getting that first break wasn’t purely down to good fortune – before that I was at
home, working out how to build effective electric circuits, and figuring out how to code. I’d say to
anyone considering a career in robotics engineering that if you start from scratch, you’ll get the
grounding you need. Thinking outside the box is then what moves you forward as an innovator.
But apart from technical know-how, the other thing that young engineers should have is a set of
[Link] must pose yourself the question: ‘How am I going to design something that is of
benefit to others?’ and ‘What impact on society is it likely to have?’ Only then can you really be
motivated to pursue it. I am curious about the robots that are now already dealing with public
enquiries in a particular bank. There have been teething troubles; the robots have not always
been able to analyse facial expression correctly, and so have sometimes responded
inappropriately, but this will all be resolved as we move forward.
B – CAN ROBOTS HELP WITH HUMAN PROBLEMS?
Humans have always had the capacity to innovate; this is what sets us apart from other
animals and has allowed us to evolve. But now our drive for innovation threatens our own
security. Indeed, we are on the verge of creating a future in which humans will have ever-
decreasing value. Robotic engineering and artificial intelligence are developing at such a pace
that people are not given the time to voice doubt or call into question the supposed benefits of
automation. One concern is the impact on employment: robots will soon jeopardise millions of
jobs worldwide, surely a catastrophe for social stability. I understand the desire to continually
improve on existing technology. But the goal of any engineer should be to enhance human
existence; and the effect of their actions on individuals and at societal level must take
precedence over technical progress. However, there are those in the field determined to create
machines they can pass off as humans. There is no justification for this. Humans have innate
qualities that a machine will never replicate. I hold the view that there is something profoundly
disturbing yet also futile about attempting to recreate the human essence.
C – THE FUTURE OF ROBOTICS
Robotics engineering is not a career for the incurious. That an early interest in the basics such
as programming and electronics is vital goes without saying. None of this is wasted when
moving on to a robotics engineering programme, however many years later. Vision is also
imperative if we are to open up to the range of potential applications they might have. Then we
must develop a market for them. If we don’t manage to do that, it is pointless having a
conversation about ethics. For example, in today’s society, it’s typical for both parents to work
hard, and to do long hours. We are soon going to have a situation where finding childcare
becomes near impossible. The time will therefore come when robots will take over certain
parental duties; perhaps the collection of children from school or helping with homework. Still, in
order to convince people to accept robots, they should look as human as possible. The more
they resemble humans, the easier it will be for people to overcome their irrational fears. I agree
with the notion that through interaction with robots, we can better understand ourselves. As AI
moves forward, we will see that all humans have qualities in common, and start to think about
what it truly means to be human: in terms of our desires, our dreams and our own
consciousness.
D – THE PROS AND CONS OF AI
I was recently invited to meet a humanoid robot, and of course, I accepted. I knew it was going
to be an amazing encounter. What I had was not expected how disconcerting the experience
turned out to be. Its eyes followed my every move, and the uncannily humanlike changes in its
facial expression almost had me forgetting the face was silicone. Its verbal responses to my
questioning were slightly off at times, but it managed to keep the conversation going. The lead
engineer on this innovative project explained how the next generation of machines could be put
to use not only in factories, but also in our homes and offices. The leader was somewhat more
reticent when it came to answering my concerns about the inevitable loss of jobs. There is also
the issue of whether something with advanced artificial intelligence should be created for the
purpose of servitude. At what point is a robot entitled to rights? And who will be legally
responsible if a machine malfunctions, say a driverless car, and causes physical injury to people
or property? A conference on such issues takes place next year . Certainly they require
attention before further development takes place.
Question 1: (5 minutes) Read the text quickly and match paragraphs A–D to the key
idea they express.
1.
___ This expert argues that ethical considerations should be secondary to
ensuring robotics aligns with economic and consumer demands.
2.
3.
___This expert highlights that while robotics offers technological advancements,
its effects on employment and human interactions must be carefully assessed.
4.
5.
___This expert advice aspiring engineers that their success will depend not only
on technical ability but also on a strong moral compass.
6.
7.
___This expert questions whether humanoid robots, despite their advanced
programming, will ever truly replicate human intuition and emotions.
8.
Question 2: (8 minutes) Read the text again and answer the following statements with
True, False, or Not Given:
1.
Expert A argues that a solid foundation in technical skills is necessary, but only
when combined with ethical awareness can one truly succeed in robotics.
2.
3.
Expert B acknowledges the potential advantages of automation but emphasizes
that these benefits do not outweigh the risks of mass unemployment.
4.
5.
Expert C claims that humanoid robots will inevitably become an essential part of
family life, replacing parents in certain caregiving tasks.
6.
7.
Expert D is optimistic about the future of AI but recognizes that legal and ethical
questions must be resolved before robots can be fully integrated into society.
8.
Question 3: (10 minutes) Choose the correct answers. (inferring meaning/author’s
attitude)
1.
If someone is "on the verge of" doing something, they are:
2.
A. Almost at the point of doing it
B. Completely uninterested in doing it
C. Unsure about whether to do it or not
D. Delaying it as much as possible
1.
In Paragraph A, what does "teething troubles" mean?
2.
A. Problems related to dental issues
B. Initial problems when something is first introduced
C. The difficulty of learning a new language
D. A phase of rapid growth in technology
1.
In paragraph B, what does the phrase"take precedence over" mean according
to the context?
2.
A. It happens before something else in time
B. It is considered more important than something else
C. It loses value over time
D. It is questioned for its effectiveness
1.
In Paragraph D, what does it mean if someone is "reticent"?
2.
A. They are unwilling to talk or share their thoughts
B. They are always open about their feelings
C. They love to debate and express opinions
D. They frequently change their views
1.
The word "servitude" refers to:
2.
A. A leadership role in a company
B. The condition of being forced to obey and work for someone
C. The ability to serve others in a friendly way
D. A position of authority in a legal system
1.
(Paragraph B) What is the expert's attitude toward the rapid development of
robotics and artificial intelligence?
2.
A. Excited about the endless possibilities and benefits they bring.
B. Concerned that it is happening too fast, without considering the negative
consequences.
C. Indifferent because technological progress is inevitable.
D. Optimistic that robots will greatly enhance human lives without major drawbacks.
1.
(Paragraph D) How does the expert feel about their encounter with a humanoid
robot?
2.
A. Fascinated by how realistic and humanlike it was.
B. Disoriented and slightly unsettled by the experience.
C. Disappointed because the robot failed to interact naturally.
D. Encouraged by the potential of robots to replace human workers.
Question 4: (7 minutes) Write a short paragraph that represents your opinion
about this topic. (transfer task) (50 words)
In the era of AI, the job market has changed considerably in a variety of
fields due to the tedious or automatic job replaced by robots. What should
you do to ensure that you will not be replaced by them? Explain your
statement and give some specific examples.
Answer:
As AI develop, the inevitable possibility of unemployment is certain. But according to the
experts’ view provided in the text, there are some considerable things that AI cannot
replace human entirely, such as emotions, intuition and ethical approach. Therefore, I
have a passion for teaching. And while AI can help me providing lesson plans or tests, it
cannot help me to build emotional connection with students and the intuition about their
stress and feelings, which is also the aspect that almost every teachers have. For
example, if you need AI to teach, it can teach you and just plainly cold when it finishes
the task, but a human can guess whether there is something that the students cannot
understand.