NASA tests giant robot Valkyrie, eyes future space role

admin 2024年4月11日

Beginner

science & technology, science & technology - beginner

©REUTERS/Evan Garcia

Pre-reading questions:

I will read each question. Then, please answer them.

講師がそれぞれの質問を読むので答えましょう。

Have you heard of humanoid robots before?
Have recent advancements in robotics impressed you?

Vocabulary:

I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.

単語、意味、例文を読みます。講師に続いて音読しましょう。

zone /zohn/

[noun] – an area, especially one that is different from the areas around it because it has different characteristics or is used for different purposes
The park has a designated play zone for children.

perform /per-FAWRM/

[verb] – to do an action or piece of work
The skilled artisans will perform intricate woodcarving, meticulously shaping and refining the ornate furniture designs.

mention /MEN-shuhn/

[verb] – to speak about something quickly, giving little detail or using few words
During the lecture, the professor mentioned the importance of historical context when discussing societal changes.

equipment /ih-KWIP-muhnt/

[noun] – the set of necessary tools, clothing, etc. for a particular purpose
The construction workers brought their heavy-duty equipment to the site, including excavators, cranes, and bulldozers.

replace /ri-PLEYS/

[verb] – to take the place of something, or to put something or someone in the place of something or someone else
The company decided to replace the old machinery with newer, more efficient models to enhance productivity.

Article reading:

Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.

記事を音読しましょう。講師はあなたの発音とイントネーションを確認します。

Based in Houston, Texas, NASA is testing Valkyrie, a large humanoid robot measuring 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing 300 pounds. Valkyrie is designed to aid in disaster-affected zones and possibly contribute to future space missions. With a head, torso, two arms, and two legs, experts believe these robots, with proper guidance, can perform tasks similar to those of humans using comparable tools.

Shaun Azimi, from NASA’s Robotics Team, mentioned these robots could handle risky tasks in space, such as cleaning solar panels or repairing spacecraft equipment. This would allow astronauts to focus on exploration instead of danger. Azimi emphasized that their goal is not to replace humans but to manage dull, dirty, or risky jobs. NASA partners with companies like Apptronik in Austin, Texas, learning from Earth-designed robots. Apptronik creates Apollo, a robot for moving items in warehouses and factories. Expected by early 2025, Apollo focuses on long work hours and quick battery replacement. CEO Jeff Cardenas sees Apollo’s potential beyond warehouses, including stores. After testing, NASA believes adaptable robots like Apollo could assist in space missions.

True or False:

Read the sentences and identify if they are true or false based on the article.

文章を読んで、記事に基づいて正誤を答えましょう。

Valkyrie, the humanoid robot, is primarily intended for use in industrial settings.
NASA aims to replace human astronauts entirely with robots like Valkyrie for all space exploration tasks.
Apptronik’s Apollo robot is designed solely for space missions.
NASA’s Robotics Team, represented by Shaun Azimi, highlighted the potential for robots like Valkyrie to undertake hazardous tasks in space, enabling astronauts to concentrate on exploration.
Valkyrie stands at 6 feet 2 inches tall, weighs 300 pounds, and possesses a head, torso, two arms, and two legs, with the capacity to perform tasks similar to humans using similar tools.

Fill in the blanks:

Choose the correct word from the table then fill in the blanks.

適切な言葉を選んで空欄を埋めましょう。

zone

perform

mention

equipment

replace

Due to his injury, a substitute __________ the team captain for the crucial match, showcasing exceptional leadership skills.
The office building has a restricted access __________ for authorized personnel only.
The mountaineers packed essential __________ such as ropes, harnesses, and climbing gear before embarking on the expedition.
The chef will __________ culinary magic, creating exquisite dishes for the guests.
In her presentation, she __________ various strategies for effective communication in the workplace