In the 1920s, a science fiction writer “invented” the word robot. By the 1960s, companies had developed real but very simple robots to work in factories, relieving humans from many boring or dangerous jobs.
A better life
Today's robots are complex, docile and even “emotional”. Some resemble humans, others look like insects. But no matter what cool things robots can do, all have one common purpose : making humans' lives better.

Robots behave like humans
Usually operated by computer, a robot has software that tells it how to respond to what its sensors or cameras feel or see. Robots can also be programmed to “grow up” or change overtime.

Humans' assistants
Scientists have to create complex robots step by step. They develop one technology, such as recognising emotions, then another, such as learning. Put these two together and you could have a robotic nurse in a hospital that recognises when a patient is in pain and knows how to find a doctor.
You won't call them robots, no more than you'd call a microwave oven a computer, though it has a computer in it. One thing's for sure: you will call them cool - especially when you program them to clean your room, help homework, or make a pizza.

From Vocable, March 2001.



Vous faites partie du club des passionnés de robots de votre lycée. Afin de donner quelques explications à vos camarades à ce sujet, dites si les affirmations suivantes sont vraies ou fausses et justifiez en vous aidant du texte. (5 points) le point n'est accordé que lorsque l'ensemble d'une réponse est correcte, ce que le logiciel ne peut prendre en compte.

1 : In the 1960s, robots were developed to work in offices.
right / wrong : : justify :

2: the purpose of robots is to look like insects. (the purpose : le but)
right/ wrong : : justify :

3 : to operate, a robot must have software to respond to its sensors and cameras
right / wrong : Justify: .


4: a "robotic nurse" is a suffering patient who wants to see a doctor.
Right / wrong : Justify : .

Robots are cool because they can help doing your housework
Right / wrong : Justify :