ROBOTS

Since our earliest days, humans have used tools to improve their lives. At first, these tools were
simple and handheld, such as knives or hammers, and they were used to perform basic tasks that were
necessary for survival. Over time, the tools and the technology for using them became more
complicated. First, they were mechanical, then electrical, and finally electronic. One of the most recent
developments in tools is the robot. The latest robots can be taught to perform complex tasks that
require an almost humanlike ability to process information and make decisions.

The first robots were developed by an engineer, Joseph F. Engelberger, and an inventor,
George C. Devol. Together they started Unimation, a manufacturing company that produced the first
real robot in 1961, called the Unimate. Robots of this type were installed at a General Motors
automobile plant and proved to be a success. They worked reliably and saved money for General
Motors, so other companies were soon acquiring robots as well.

These industrial robots were nothing like the terrifying creatures that can often be seen in
science fiction films. In fact, these robots looked and behaved nothing like humans. They were simply
pieces of computer-controlled machinery, with metal "arms" or "hands." Since they were made of
metal, they could perform certain jobs that were difficult or dangerous for humans, particularly jobs
that involve high heat. And since robots were tireless and never got hungry, sleepy, or distracted, they
were useful for tasks that would be tiring or boring for humans. Industrial robots have been improved
over the years, and today they are used in many factories around the world. Though the use of robots
has meant the loss of some jobs, at the same time other jobs have been created in the design,
development, and production of the robots.

Outside of industry, robots have also been developed and put to use by governments and
scientists in situations where humans might be in danger. For example, they can be sent in to
investigate an unexploded bomb or an accident at a nuclear power plant. Researchers also use robots
to collect samples of hot rocks or gases in active volcanoes. In space exploration, robots have
performed many key tasks where humans could not be present, such as on the surface of Mars. In
2004, two robotic Rovers—small six-wheeled computerized cars—were sent to Mars. The Rovers had
lasers that functioned as eyes and software that was designed to help them
travel around holes or rocks. While on Mars, they performed many scientific experiments and took
thousands of photographs, sending all the results back to Earth. Among other things, the Rovers
discovered that Mars probably once had water on its surface just like Earth.

As robots were developed for industry and science, some inventors also found uses for smaller
and less expensive robots. The first of these appeared in the 1980s, as an educational tool for learning
about computers. Then in the 1990s, further technological improvements led to the invention of robot
toys. The most famous of these was AIBO, a robotic dog produced by Sony. It could run around a
room and chase a ball like a real dog. However, in spite of great enthusiasm for AIBO when it first
appeared, it was too expensive ($2,000) to be successful in the long run.

Inventors have been more successful with robots that can help with housework. The Roomba,
for example, is a robotic vacuum cleaner. Made of lightweight plastic, it is low and round, with wheels.
Before it begins cleaning a room, Roomba first moves all around it to "learn" about the shape of the
room and the furniture in it. Then it starts vacuuming, avoiding the walls and furniture. When it begins
to run out of power, it returns to a base to recharge. It does all of this without any human direction.
With a price tag of only about $200, the Roomba has sold well— about 2 million Roombas were sold
in its first four years. The same company that makes Roomba has now developed a floor-washing
robot called the Scooba.

What is the future for robots? One likely use of robots was demonstrated in a race for robot-
controlled cars held in 2005 by the United States Defense Department. The winner of this race across
the Nevada desert—and the winner of $2 million—was a Volkswagen Tuareg model called Stanley,
designed by robot specialists at Stanford University in California. Stanley arrived at the finish line 170
miles (273.5 km) away, after traveling over the rough land in a little less than seven hours—without a
human behind the steering wheel. This was possible because its computer "brain" was able to deal
with the various tasks required along the trip. It could read a map, find its location, judge what was
ahead, and make decisions based on all this information.

Robots have come a long way. Once story writers and movie makers imagined them as
dangerous humanlike machines that could take over the Earth. Now robots help people at home, in
factories, and in scientific research. In the next decade many new uses will be found for robots,
especially in cars. As one designer said, "A person's role in the car is changing. People will become
more planners than drivers." Robots will do the rest.

I- Answer the following Questions: (4 pts)

1. What is the central point of this passage? (Thesis)

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2. What is the major pattern of organisation in the passage? justify

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3. What is a sub-pattern of organisation used in the passage? justify

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4. The Romba can vacuum a room all by itself. Is this true or false? Justify
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 II- Circle the correct answer: (3 pts)

5. In industry, robots

a. have taken away some jobs and created others.

b. have caused many factories to close.
c. look and behave a lot like human beings.
d. are used instead of computer programmers and engineers.

6. Robots are useful in space exploration because they

a. travel much faster and farther than humans.

b. can go places where people cannot go.
c. take better photographs than humans.
d. have eyes and ears and a brain just like humans.

7. The robot-controlled car, Stanley,

a. was designed by the United States government.

b. could travel long distances without a driver.
c. required a robot specialist in the back seat.
d. cost $2 million to design and build.

III- Write a summary of the passage in a single paragraph: (6 pts)

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