©REUTERS/Evan Garcia
Vocabulary:
- immense /ih-MENS/
- solar panel /SOH-ler PAN-l/
- warehouse /WAIR-hous/
- swap /swop/
- versatile /VUR-suh-tl/
[adjective] – extremely large in size or degree
The immense effort by the research team led to the successful development of a groundbreaking technology for space exploration.
[noun] – a device that changes energy from the sun into electricity
Installing solar panels on rooftops helps households generate electricity using the sun’s energy.
[noun] – a large building for storing things before they are sold, used, or sent out to shops
The company implemented automated systems to manage inventory and streamline processes within their expansive warehouse.
[verb] – to exchange or replace
Before the flight, the passengers were asked to swap seats to balance the aircraft’s weight distribution for a smoother journey.
[adjective] – able to change easily from one activity to another or able to be used for many different purposes
The smartphone is a versatile device capable of performing various tasks such as communication, navigation, and entertainment.
Article reading:
NASA’s Dexterous Robotics Team Leader, Shaun Azimi, stated that these robots could tackle dangerous tasks in space, such as cleaning solar panels or fixing broken equipment outside spaceships. This would let astronauts concentrate on exploring and discovering new things instead of doing risky work. According to Azimi, the goal is not to replace humans but to take on jobs that are dull, dirty, or dangerous. NASA is working with companies like Apptronik from Austin, Texas, to learn from robots developed for Earth. Apptronik is creating a robot called Apollo, meant to work in warehouses and factories by moving items around. They plan to start using these robots in early 2025. Apptronik’s Chief Technology Officer, Nick Paine, highlighted that Apollo can work for long hours and quickly swap its battery to keep working efficiently. CEO Jeff Cardenas mentioned that as Apollo gets better, it could move beyond warehouses to other places like retail or even unstructured spaces. NASA believes that robots like Apollo, which are adaptable and versatile, might eventually play a role in space missions after improvements and testing.
Discussion Questions:
- Have you ever seen or interacted with a humanoid robot like Valkyrie or Apollo in your area or during your travels? If yes, what was your impression or experience with it? If not, how do you think you would feel or react when encountering such advanced robots?
- Can you imagine a scenario where robots like Valkyrie or Apollo could assist in your daily life or work responsibilities? How would their presence change the dynamics of your tasks?
- Do you agree that robots like Valkyrie and Apollo should be employed to handle hazardous or repetitive tasks, allowing humans to focus on more exploratory and innovative pursuits?
- How might the integration of humanoid robots like Valkyrie and Apollo impact job roles in various industries over the next decade? Discuss the potential pros and cons.
- Considering the rapid advancements in robotics showcased by projects like Apollo, what ethical concerns or societal changes might arise with their widespread implementation in different work environments and public spaces?
Summarization
Describe:
- retail
- astronaut
- spaceship
- humanoid
- space mission