Studio Classroom 空中英語教室 – August 2019

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19

The game of

chess is another

H[DPSOHRI0RUDYHF·V

paradox. People might

find mastering the game

of chess difficult. But building a

robot that can play chess is relatively easy. You

can find plans online to build one today.

Robots are very good at doing things

in controlled environments. It is very difficult,

however, for them to deal with certain types of

variables. Moving through a room filled with

random objects is just one example. Another

challenge is programming a robot to pick up an

assortment of objects of different shapes and

sizes without damaging them.

It turns out that one of the most difficult

things to improve in robots is their dexterity,

or their ability to manipulate objects. Robotic

limbs are gradually becoming more dexterous.

Exciting developments in making human-like

hands and legs are underway. But the biggest

advancements might result from using virtual

learning to “teach” robots through computer

simulations. Robots programmed this way

can “guess” what to do when they encounter

unfamiliar things in the real world. Soon, robots

may be able to do those things that humans find

simple. That will mean big changes in what robots

can do and how they help us with daily tasks.

~ One of the great __________ of building robots is that

what is _________ for people is __________ for robots.

~ As robot _______________ improves, robots will

become more helpful in _______________ life.

(Suggested answers on page 74)

Key Points Complete the sentences below.

It turns out that one of the most difficult things to improve in robots is their

dexterity, or their ability to manipulate objects. (p. 37, line 17)

turn out it

turns out + that

• Obviously, I’m disappointed with the way things have turned out.

Your turn

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Usage Tip

‹6KXWWHUVWRFNFRP

YDFXXP (v) [:v,kjum]

Our dog always hides when we vacuum the living room.

LURQ\ (n) [:aIr/ni]

The irony is that I spent all my childhood wishing I was

an adult, and now I just want to be a child again!

paradox (n) [:p,r/;dAks]

A paradox is like a loud silence; it’s difficult to explain

but true all the same.

random (adj) [:r,nd/m]

That presentation was hard to follow; it was just a

random collection of ideas.

variable (n) [:vEri/b/l]

The weather is an important variable to consider while

packing for a long hike.

assortment (n) [/:sOrtm/nt]

This candy store has a large assortment of candies from

other countries.

manipulate (v) [m/:nIpj/;let]

It is difficult to manipulate heavy objects into tight

spaces.

virtual (adj) [:v=t{u/l]

In virtual classrooms, students and teachers connect

online.

GH[WHULW\ (n) [dEk:stErIti]

XQGHUZD\ (adv) [;<nd-:we]

FRPSXWHUVLPXODWLRQ (n) [k/m:pjut-]

[;sImj/:le{/n]

assorted (adj) [/:sOrtId]

The candy came in assorted sizes.

More Information

Word Bank Focus

Word Bank

05

10

15

20

25

ROBOT DEXTERITY

ST

UD

IO (^) CL
AS
SR
OO
37