FRIENDLY ROBOTS
The word "robot" first appeared in 1920 in a science-fiction play by the writer Karl Capek. It was used to describe artificial1 people that were made in a factory in order to do the work of humans. Today, the term is used for any machine that is controlled by a computer. Robots are now everywhere, replacing humans in a wide range of jobs. Some, for example, do very dangerous tasks, such as collecting data from deep in the oceans. Others are used for assembling2 products in factories – a job they do much more efficiently than humans can.(lines 1–6)
Over the years, advances in computer technology have led to the development of social robots – that is3, robots that can interact with people in various personal ways. For instance, some are able to speak with children and adults, using a suitable level of vocabulary. Others can change the expression on their faces, tell jokes, or laugh at the jokes they are told. "These amazing communication abilities are making social robots extremely useful," says Ella Warner of Current Robotics Magazine. "You might already have heard of the ones that provide company4 for older people who are living alone, or of those that entertain and educate children."(lines 7–13)
One social robot was designed to interact with very young children and, among other things, help prepare them for school. This small robot, which is called Tega, has a soft body, red fur5, and large round eyes. Tega can tell a child a story or start a conversation, speaking in a friendly child-like voice. It uses its face to show interest in the child's response. It also replies in a way that suits each individual child's language ability. Studies of children who spent time with Tega found improvements both in their ability to concentrate and in their speaking skills.(lines 14–19)
In recent years, much research has been done on the interactions between humans and robots. "That's because there has been some concern that people might prefer to spend time with a friendly robot rather than make friends with humans," explains Warner. "But the findings so far are encouraging. According to one large study, for instance, shy people who had regular conversations with a robot became more confident. In fact, it became easier for them to talk to other people." Warner believes that more studies are necessary. "We need to find out if interacting with a social robot over a long period of time causes any problems," she says. "Then we will know more clearly what roles these robots should play in our lives."(lines 20–27)